Lack of funds stalls W. Sepik killings probe stalled

By GABRIEL FITO
POLICE investigation into the recent killing of eight sorcery suspects in Telefomin district, West Sepik province, have been shelved because funds earmarked for it have yet to be released by the district administration.
Provincial police commander Chief Insp Michael Tilae said yesterday the Telefomin Joint District and Budget Priorities Committee had committed K120,000 for police operations in the district following the spate of killings since last October and other incidents requiring police attention.
But he said the money had not yet reached police to help in their travel to the remote district to conduct investigation.
“My men are all ready to travel there and investigate these murders and attend to other complaints.
“I don’t know why these funds have not been released quickly,” Tilae said.
He said the election was nearing and it was important police cleared all outstanding matters quickly.
Tilae said police had received reports of witchcraft suspects being murdered by relatives of the victims between Drolengam village and Telefomin station.
They could not react swiftly because the district was only accessible by plane.
Police are confident of apprehending all murder suspects, some of whom are alleged to have moved to settle at Tabubil, in Western province.
Attempts to get comments from the Telefomin district administrator yesterday were unsuccessful.