Black Cat track ambush: Four suspects arrested

 By PISAI GUMAR and DOMINIC KAKAS

POLICE have arrested four men believed to have been involved in the killing of two porters and injuring others on the Black Cat Track last Tuesday.

The victims of the attack included eight trekkers – seven from Australia and one from New Zealand. 

Three of the men from Wau, Bulolo district, had surrendered to police. The fourth from Salamaua in Huon-Gulf was arrested in a dawn raid by police.

Police are looking for two more suspects believed to be hiding in the mountains between Wau and Salamaua.

Salamaua council manager Joe Paru said community members at Salamua helped in the arrest of the men during a police raid at 5am on Sunday.

Paru said police recovered some bullets and a mask. Provincial police commander Leo Lamei could not give further details.

Police Commissioner Tom Kulunga thanked the police and villagers for their efforts towards the arresting of the suspects.

“I believe it is only a matter of time before the other two are captured and brought in,” Kulunga said.

Kulunga also confirmed reports that a man was attacked and killed by relatives of one of the two murdered porters. 

He said relatives of one of the dead porters accused the man of harbouring the six criminals and attacked him. Police intervened and flew him to the nearest health centre but he died.

“There will be an investigation and the persons responsible for this recent death will be arrested. No-one has the right to take anyone’s life,” Kulunga said.

“While I encourage the local community to continue to assist police capture the remaining attackers, I urge you not to take the law into your own hands. Let the law deal with them.”