An elderly woman has been rescued by members of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) and the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) following a torture video linked to sorcery accusations that circulated widely on social media.
The incident occurred at Kulapi Basketball Court in Porgera, Enga Province, where two elderly women were allegedly seized and assaulted after being accused of practicing sorcery.
Enga Provincial Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Steven Harris, confirmed that the incident was brought to the attention of authorities after the video was shared widely online, prompting an immediate response from security forces.
PPC Harris said one of the women managed to escape before police and defence personnel arrived, while the second victim was rescued and taken to safety.
He said the suspects fled when security forces reached the scene, and no arrests have been made so far. Police investigations are continuing, with Porgera Police Station leading the inquiry.
PPC Harris condemned the attack, describing it as a brutal act against vulnerable members of the community.
“This was a brutal, cowardly attack on two elderly women, and RPNGC has zero tolerance for it. Our units and the PNGDF responded quickly and decisively and rescued one victim and is safe. I want the people of Enga to know that when a report like this comes in, my forces move, that is what happened at Kulapi.”
He said those responsible for the attack must surrender themselves to police.
“The men responsible ran the moment they saw security forces. They were brave enough to torture defenceless elderly women, but the moment RPNGC and PNGDF arrived, they ran like cowards.”
PPC Harris said police were not deployed to negotiate or mediate but to enforce the law and protect victims.
“They knew exactly what my forces were there to do, we were not coming to mediate, we were not coming to negotiate, and we were not carrying kola for a belkol. My forces were giving effect to my intent, and these men knew it.”
He urged the suspects to surrender, warning that police have identified those involved.
“Your images are clear and your identities are known. Hand yourselves in now, at any police station, and do it like a man, not by hiding and running because we will still find you.”
The Enga police commander reiterated that violence linked to sorcery accusations and gender-based violence would not be tolerated.
“Let this be clear across Enga: RPNGC will not tolerate sorcery-accusation-related violence or gender-based violence, in any form, from anyone. Every person in this Province, rich or poor, young, old, man or woman, is entitled to and will receive the full protection of the law.”
PPC Harris has appealed to anyone with information about the suspects or the whereabouts of the woman who escaped to contact the nearest police station or Porgera Police Station.
He said police operations with the PNGDF will continue across Enga Province to protect vulnerable people and address sorcery accusation related violence and gender-based violence.
