Guard killed while foiling theft

By SALLY POKITON
UPNG journalism student
A LONG-serving employee of the Papindo shopping centre at Boroko, Port Moresby, was killed on New Year’s night while guarding the premises.
Philip Kaekin, 45, of Pausa village in Wapenamanda, Enga, was chopped to death after foiling an attempted robbery at the shopping centre.
He is believed to have been attacked by an armed group of four men and two women who took advantage of the noise as people greeted the New Year at midnight.
But as the group entered the shop’s compound, they were met by Kaekin, who lives with his family in a house behind the store and who had been the night watchman.
The group used bush knives to chop Kaekin’s legs before hacking his hands, one side of his head and back.
Papindo Boroko retail branch manager William Orake said Kaekin was on duty at the back while a security firm’s guards were in front.
He said the security guards had no idea of the gruesome attack at the back.
It is believed three suspects were arrested that same night but one escaped from custody at the Boroko police cell.
NCD and Central police commander Fred Sheekiot said he received reports of the killing but was unable to confirm details of the murder.
Kaekin had worked with Papindo for more than 25 years  and is survived by his wife, from Gaire, Central, and two children.