Four dead, five others hospitalised

By REBECCA KUKU
FOUR women are dead and five others are hospitalised after they were accused of using sorcery to kill a “well-respected” businessman in Enga.
Commander acting Superintendent George Kakas said nine women were rounded up by Jacob Lukes’ relatives on Friday, between 8am and 9am, and were accused of eating his heart via sorcery.
“They were stripped and tortured with hot iron rods,” he said.
“Their torturers shoved hot iron rods into their private parts.
“When we (police) got there, four of them had already died, five survived and we have rushed them to the hospital under close police protection.
“They could not even walk when we rescued them.”
Kakas said the five would be move to a safe house after treatment.
“I condemn such a level of cruelty perpetrated against our women,” he said.
“They were mothers, many were from the same village whilst others were married.
“We are currently investigating the case and are working with community leaders to identify the sorcery torturers.
“We will find them and criminally charge them.”
Meanwhile, Governor Sir Peter Ipatas said arrests should be made to stop this type of cruelty from continuing.
“The late Lukes was a good man who touched many lives across the country,” he said.
He did not believe in such sorcery nonsense and neither do I.
“It is disappointing that these women were tortured in his name.
“Those responsible must be dealt with according to the law.
“We already have the laws in place.
“We just need to enforce the laws and stop such cruelty.”