K106,000 for sorcery-related violence investigations

National

A TOTAL of K106,000 has been pledged to police to assist their investigations into sorcery accusation related violence (SARV) cases in the Highlands.
Police Minister William Onglo said once the funding was given to the Constabulary it would be paid to stakeholders to support the work of police in investigating and assisting victims.
“Police were having issues with airlifting personnel so we are happy with receiving assistance from NCD Governor Powes Parkop with K50,000 directed to a local helicopter company and Laiagam-Porgera MP Tomait Kapili has pledged K38,000 and Lae MP John Rosso has also pledged K18,000 toward assisting police to send men to the areas to investigate the cases,” he said.
Onglo was also critical of the media which he claimed had reports that had blamed the Police Ministry for K50,000 in funding given by Parkop for investigating SARV cases not reaching police in Southern Highlands.
He said the money was still with the ministry and had not been used.
Onglo said incorrect reports only tarnished the work being done to address SARV and made other donors reluctant to contribute funds.
“Any funds earmarked are still intact and have not been used, all monies given will still go to the cost of airlifting personnel into the remote villagers as accessibility is hard.”
The Minister said investigations were still ongoing and he did not want to jeopardise the work done but he refuted claims in the media that funds had been misused.
“I want to thank all those who are working hard to advocate against the brutal murders happening in Enga.”