Enga Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Chief Superintendent Steven Harris confirmed that a serving ward councilor was arrested and handed over to the Criminal Investigation Division in Wabag, where he was formally charged with accessory after the fact to wilful murder.
PPC Harris noted that the councilor would appear before the court in due course.
The arrest stems from the killing of two innocent people in the Laiagam District, carried out by an escapee who remains at large.
Addressing the suspect and others who have broken custody, PPC Harris urged all remaining escapees to surrender immediately to the nearest police station, cautioning the public that sheltering fugitives constitutes both a criminal offense and a direct breach of orders issued by the National Court.
The National Court of Justice at Wabag issued interim orders for the Laiagam District prohibiting public assemblies for tribal fighting or retaliation, the carrying of offensive weapons, and the harboring of escapees or individuals responsible for the killings.
The court mandated the immediate surrender of unlawfully held firearms, forbade threats or demands regarding the release of lawfully detained persons, and ordered all individuals to follow directions from the Provincial Police Commander and his delegates.
Violations of these directives carry the risk of criminal charges or contempt of court proceedings ahead of the matter returning to court.
Emphasizing that traditional compensation does not resolve murder, PPC Harris reinforced the longstanding position of the Supreme Court and National Court of Papua New Guinea that no amount of money or pigs can restore a human life.
He made it clear that threats will not deter the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) or his officers from fulfilling their duties.
“Persons lawfully detained will face the lawful process and they will not be bartered for. Anyone who demands their release, or threatens violence to get it, can expect to be arrested.”
“If need be, we will arrest suspects one by one, anytime, anyplace. In your beds, in any village or city. The reach of the RPNGC extends across the entire country and we will hunt you down.”
PPC Harris stated that the law-abiding majority of Enga supports this firm stance, reiterating that there will be no mediation, negotiation, or further violence involving criminals.
He commended the restraint shown by the aggrieved families and communities who opted to respect the legal process rather than engage in retaliation.
Regarding the circumstances surrounding the escapees, PPC Harris explained that an independent investigation is underway by the Internal Affairs Division, separate from the Provincial Command, and affirmed that the RPNGC will pursue the matter thoroughly.
Anyone with details on the location of the escapees or those linked to the killings is urged to contact the police in Wabag or Laiagam.
