Abal’s relative a prime suspect

By JUNIOR UKAHA
THE prime suspect in the death of a woman at the Konedobu home of Acting Prime Minister Sam Abal is still on the run.
Police Commissioner Tony Wagambie yesterday said police had appealed to the man, believed to be Abal’s close relative, to turn himself in and help investigators with a possible murder inquiry.
In parliament yesterday, Abal also assured MPs that police had taken control of the investigation and he and his family would cooperate to ensure the law took its course.
Police have named the prime suspect but The National will not publish the name until he is charged.
Wagambie said that according to witnesses, the relative was the last person seen with the woman when  they entered the D’Albertis Street residence, hand in hand,between 5am and 5.30am on Monday.
A security guard, Willie Bola, had opened the gate for them and, some time later, found the woman’s body in the banana garden and immediately called Abal, he said.
Police did not disclose the woman’s identity, the motive behind the killing, her relationship with the man and what weapon was used.
Wagambie said details would be released after investigations were completed.
“NCD police, under the
command of metropolitan commander Supt Joseph Tondop, immediately cordoned off the area and commenced investigations.
Wagambie said: “A police forensic team collected evidence and witnesses, including people living within the acting prime minister’s residence, were interviewed.”
At the time of the killing, Abal was not in residence, the home being occupied by other close family members and relatives.
A shocked Abal had condemned the killing and had extended his full cooperation to police in their investigation.
During question time yesterday, he assured the nation that everything was under control and police had taken charge of the investigation.
“This is now a police matter and I would appreciate that you do not use it for political connotation and cheap political point scoring,” Abal said in reply to questions from Bulolo MP Sam Basil on the discovery of the body.
“It has been hard for me but I have to ensure truth and justice prevail.”