Crime-filled Christmas for Gulf: Reports

POLICE in Gulf have reported serious crimes like piracy, suicide, murder, attempted murder, abduction and rape during the New Year celebrations.
Police reported that eight suspects held up a canoe and robbed the passengers off about K10,000 worth of money and valuables along the Lakekamu River.
Also a 19-year-old woman was abducted and raped at Lese Walai village during a New Year party and a man was admitted at the Mendi General Hospital in Southern Highlands after being evacuated by air from Kikori health centre after sustaining serious head injuries during a fight.
Kerema Police Station commander Insp Michael Pakyei said eight suspects held up seven passengers from Kamea who were returning from Port Moresby with K4,000 on the Dec 31.
“They were returning from Port Moresby after selling their gold when the suspects chased them in an outboard motor and caught up with them,” he said.
“The suspects hit the dinghy operator with a knife and he fell into the river.
“The passengers also jumped into the river and swam ashore leaving all their bags in the canoe. The suspects then took all their bags containing money, mobile phones and a water pump and escaped in their boat.
“The passengers then recovered their dinghy and reported the matter to the police.
“We are aware of which village these suspects are from and are now investigating.”
Pakyei said a man was allegedly killed during a drinking party at Hamdia village at about 8pm on Dec 31.