Suspect lands in hospital after being bashed

By CLIFFORD FAIPARIK
The suspect who allegedly killed his wife during a New Year church service has been hospitalised with serious injuries after been bashed up in Milne Bay province last Monday, Milne Bay police commander Chief Supt Joe Poma said yesterday.
“He was bashed by his former in-laws at Divinai village about 35km from Alotau and is now been guarded at the Alotau General Hospital after we admitted him there.
“We were lucky to respond quickly to arrest him or he could end up in worse condition. We will charge him when he recovers,” Supt Poma said.
The mother of three had her stomach ripped open with a knife just outside the church building in full view of her shocked fellow church members and villagers about 10pm by the suspect.
She had gone out to use the toilet while the service was in progress to celebrate and welcome the New Year.
The service was part of the church’s programme to welcome the New Year.
“When returning back to the service, her husband, allegedly intoxicated with marijuana and homebrew, called her over to him when he saw her.
“She then went to him thinking that he wanted to say something to her.
“Instead he grabbed her, covered her mouth with his hand and with his other hand, took out a knife and ripped open her stomach,” a church member said.
This horrific killing prematurely ended the service as the congregation fled.
However, a former PNG Defence Force naval officer Col Bernard Williams responded and rushed her in his PMV to the Alotau General Hospital.
Unfortunately, she was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Mr Poma said police then went to the village after receiving a report and arrested the suspect.