Criminal activities on the rise in Madang

THE  rise  in  criminal activities is becoming a great concern for law enforcers and peace loving residents in Madang province.
Last weekend,  there were more than three killings and two armed robberies, according to police reports.
Provincial police commander Chief  Insp Anthony Wagambie Jr told The National in a media briefing last Friday night that a man  was murdered and left near a river at Malo   near Mis village in Madang province.
Mr  Wagambie said  the man had paddled to Malo    from his Panitibun Island to check his betelnut garden and  to cut some bamboo but was attacked by unknown people who dragged him down to a river and chopped off his head.
He said  the culprits went away with undetermined amount of money in his bag, a small kitchen knife, a pair of thongs, a bush knife and an axe.
Mr Wagambie said the victim’s body was found the next day and was taken to the Modilon General Hospital for a post-mortem examination.
The  motive of the killing is unknown and police are still investigating to identify the culprits.
Mr Wagambie said  another person was also murdered by six suspects at the Wagol Sawdust camp two weeks ago.
He said  quick action by police and the local councillor led to the arrest of two suspects who were both charged with wilful murder.
Mr Wagambie said two more  killings  were reported last  Friday night.
He said  an employee of Shady Forest was found dead after an alleged hit and  run by a PMV bus  near the Gogol River.
Chief Insp Wagambie said  police radioed Ramu police to stop all vehicles coming from Madang and managed to arrest and detain a driver and the crew of a PMV bus from the Highlands.They are being held at the Ramu police lock up.
He said that when interrogated, the two suspects admitted running over a person but police are still investigating.