Croc grabs, kills woman

By CLIFFORD FAIPARIK
A CROCODILE snatched an elderly woman from her canoe and killed her during an early-morning fishing trip in the Kikori River in Gulf, acting police commander Snr Insp Michael Pakyei says.
“The crocodile sprung out of the water, snatched her from her back and pulled her into the water while she was busy paddling her canoe,” he said.
“She was with her small sister when the crocodile attacked her at 5am last Wednesday not far from their Miaogoma village.”
Snr Insp Pakyei said the victim was a widow with six adult children.
“Police searched and found the armless victim last Friday at about 4pm not far from the attack area.
Police later sighted the crocodile and shot it but it escaped,” he said.
“The body has been buried.”
Meanwhile, Snr Insp Pakyei said investigations were continuing into the robbery of Long Wei Trading Ltd at Iosupi village along the Tauri River in Malalaua.
“More than five suspects escaped with K60,000 cash (and) mobile phones, gas lighters, alcohol and soft drinks totalling K30,000 were also taken,” he said.
“The suspects armed with three firearms stormed the shop on Sunday at about 9am after beaching their dinghy at the waterfront.
“Police responded late and the suspects escaped.”
Snr Insp Pakyei said villagers were not helpful in providing information.