Madang cultists appear in court

By PISAI GUMAR
A GROUP of 28 cult members accused of murder and cannibalism activities appeared before the Madang district court this week.But police asked for a postponement as they had not completed their investigations on the 28 members of the cult movement.Officer in-charge of the police criminal investigation unit Chief Sgt Steven Yalamu said the 28 suspects appeared briefly for mention on Tuesday.
Among the first seven charges laid against them, five were dropped for further investigation.
The cult members have been blamed for the deaths of Soni Tumba, 47, from Imbeya village and Richard Wakarum, 42, of Ambunk village.
They are also implicated in the deaths of John Wayne and two other women earlier.
Witnesses’ statements have also been made for the wilful murder of two brothers Patrick and Rex Dariki. 
The two ring alleged leaders Clement Jesse Basilik from Biamb village and Joe Wadagen Nimagaph from Sereken 2 village were brought to the police last Saturday.
“The police CID interrogated them and released them for further investigations. Police will pick them up whenever they are needed,” said Yalamu. Yalamu said the case was adjourned to August 17. The suspects are detained at Yomba.
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