Dauli college stalker arrested

POLICE have arrested a 25-year-old man who has been stalking the communities in Tari, Southern Highlands province.
He had been targeting the students and residents of Dauli Teachers College.
The man is wanted for burglary, armed robbery, assaults, attempted rape and murder.
The arrest follows the tireless efforts of Tari-based police mobile squad  9, led by Chief Sgt Peter Buka, and assisted by Hulia LLG deputy president Steven Kamia.
More than 300 students boycotted classes recently and staged a protest march to Tari town to seek the local authorities intervention in addressing the prolonged terror attacks.
The staff and students demanded that their security be guaranteed at the college and the assailant captured before they returned to classes.
Sgt Buka and Mr Kamia met with the suspect on several occasions at secluded places to try and persuade him to surrender.
The suspect, Gini Piabe, finally gave himself up on March 16 in Dauli.
Police have charged Piabe with one count of attempted rape and the murder of a woman student.
Due to the lack of a magistrate in Tari, the suspect has being taken to Mendi police station where he is waiting for his court appearance.
Police said another suspect, a security officer from Moro, would also be arrested for the attempted murder of college principal Dale Tinol.
Police said the suspect tried to force Mr Tinol to enrol his two relatives into the college without the required academic prerequisites.
The victim claimed the two were locals and landowners of the land on which the college is  located.
When Mr Tinol refused to admit the two relatives, the suspect swung a bush-knife at him.
Provincial police commander Supt Jimmy Onopia could not be contacted yesterday for comments.
Mr Tinol said the students and staff had returned to classes.