Madang police arrest 17 suspects over killing, arson

By SYLVESTER WEMURU
POLICE in Madang have arrested 17 suspects wanted in relation to the killing of a man and burning down of houses on Karkar Island.
The men, seven of whom are expected to be charged with murder and the other 10 with arson, were picked up on Friday and brought to Jomba Police Station.
Madang police commander Supt Mazuc Rubiang said about 40 families had lost their homes in the retaliatory attack after a man from Narer was murdered the previous Saturday (July 10).
He said houses were burned down and other properties destroyed by relatives of the deceased.
Supt Rubiang said he was informed of the situation last Saturday and sent officers from his headquarters in Madang to assist policemen on Karkar Is.
“Police presence at the scene helped to cool down a tense situation,” he said.
“The officers, with the help of community leaders, called on suspects to surrender and some did and were taken to Jomba Police Station on Friday for the police to investigate and find out if they were involved in committing the offences.”
Supt Rubiang commended villagers on the island for helping bring in the seven murder suspects and 10 arson suspects who currently in police custody.
He acknowledged his police officers who had stayed on the island for a week to identify and arrest suspects. He also thanked business houses for coming in to support the families who lost their homes during the fight.