Beaten suspect dies in custody

National

A ROBBERY suspect has in police custody at the Wau Police Station in Bulolo, Morobe, last Sunday.
Morobe rural police commander Insp David Warap told The National yesterday that the victim succumbed to injuries he had sustained as a result of the beatings he had received from members of the public.
Warap identified the victim as Paul Laiam, 20, from Saiko village in Garaina and a resident of Wara Kalap in Wau.
Police said Laiam was allegedly part of a gang of about 10 men, armed with five home-made guns, bush-knives and axes, who had allegedly held up a public motor vehicle at Seven Block in Wau around 10pm on Saturday.
“They stole K480 cash from the passengers and crew and food items valued at K680,” Warap said.
“With the assistance of the police, members of the public pursued the gang and caught Laiam and beat him up.
“Police took the victim to the Wau clinic but no health workers were there to treat him so he was taken to the cell and locked up.”
Warap said the victim was found dead around 6am the next day.
“His body was transported to Lae to undergo a coronal inquest.”
He said it was unfortunate
that the victim died but it was something beyond the control of police.