Brother-in-law accused of murder

A PASTOR from the Border Baptist Association under the Min Baptist Union was allegedly killed by his brother-in-law with a bush knife two weeks ago, according to police.
Telefomin Police Station commander Sgt Praiyus Kaiyus told The National that the pastor, Sieng Silibumen, was with his wife in the house when he was attacked.
He said the man was hunting in the bush between Tumolbil and Ilbil after he got a torch from Silibumen in the afternoon.
He said while hunting, he was attacked by some people he claimed to be “spirits or witchcrafts”.
“According to police brief, it was alleged that while the suspect was in the bush, he was attacked by some spirits so he claimed that the wife of the pastor was practising witchcraft to attack him because he did not pay the bride price of their daughter.
“He then went to the house and attacked him by chopping him on the head and neck. He died the same day.”
Sgt Kaiyus said the alleged killer was arrested by the village people and detained at a police post at Tumolbil.
He said the village chief then reported the matter to him and transport was organised.
The alleged killer was flown to Kiunga where he was charged with murder and detained in the police station cell in Western.
Sgt Kaiyus said the suspect would appear in court when his file was ready.
The pastor, he said, was married with five children and was an elderly man who served the church in the Yapsi local level government of Telefomin district.