Cops recapture escapee accused of rape, murder and robbery

By ROSELYN ELLISON
POLICE Mobile Squad 17 from East New Britain have captured one of the most wanted criminals in the country and an escapee at the Konogogo village in the Namatanai district of New Ireland.
According to provincial police commander Chief Insp Joseph Tabali, Kuprie Luvie, 20, of Tavui 1 in the Kokopo’s Bitapaka local level government (LLG) area, was wanted for various crimes such as murder, armed robbery, burglary and rape.
Chief Insp Tabali said Luvie was arrested and charged with armed robbery in 2019.
He was committed to stand trial by the Kerevat Committal Court and was remanded at Kerevat jail awaiting trial but escaped soon after.
“While on the run, he took his girlfriend to his village at Tavui 1 where he stabbed her with a kitchen knife, causing her instant death,” Chief Insp Tabali said.
“He remained a fugitive, evading police and was again involved in armed robbery at Kokopo’s Dima 19 shop, Bitapaka LLG administration headquarters, Takubar Industrial Area, Trukai Rice Distribution Centre at Ulaveo and also allegedly involved in a rape at Tavui 1.”
Chief Insp Tabali said Luvie escaped to Konogogo with his rape accomplice, Esley Pidik, also from Tavui 1 and Konogogo.
“Acting on information, MS 17 was deployed to Namatanai on Sunday.
“Luvie tried to escape but was shot on the leg.”
Chief Insp Tabali said Luvie was admitted at Nonga Hospital under police security.