12 suspects in CEO’s death held

By REBECCA KUKU
POLICE have arrested 12 suspects over the murder of PNG Ports Corporation chief executive Fego Kiniafa, last month.
Crimes director Joel Simatab said that investigators from the crimes unit in Port Moresby were sent to Goroka to assist local investigators in probing Kiniafa’s death.
“So far, we have arrested 12 suspects, and impounded two vehicles that we believe had transported Kiniafa after he was attacked and beaten,” he said.
“But investigations are continuing.”
Goroka Police Station commander Chief Inspector Paul Nacca said community leaders of both sides had assured police that they would work with them through to the completion of the investigation and apprehension of suspects involved.
“I appeal to any witnesses to come forward and give information that will help in the investigation. Immediate family members of Kiniafa are supporting us,” he said
Police also warned opportunists who wanted to use the incident to cause problems that they would be arrested.
Nacca thanked members of the Northern and Highlands police mobile squads for taking control of the situation.
He said the mobile squads would remain until investigations were completed and the matter put to rest.
Provincial police commander Michael Welly said at that time that Kiniafa and his business partner Conrad Manove were involved in a drunken brawl that time at the
Nagamuifa villages where Kiniafa allegedly shot Manove with a firearm.
“Manove’s people seeing this, retaliated and attacked Kiniafa, he was badly chopped with machetes and died at the scene,” he said.