Man accused of kidnap, torture arrested

THE man who allegedly led the kidnapping and torture of four women in Wanapos, Laiagam, Enga, has been arrested by Enga police.
Police commander Chief Insp Ephenes Nili confirmed the arrest, saying the suspect was locked up in Wabag.
“Last week, a dawn raid was conducted, the main suspect from Wanapos who led the group to kidnap and torture the four women was apprehended while the other suspects ran away.
“We transported the man down where he is being interviewed and is expected to be charged soon.” Chief Insp Nili said.
“He is assisting us with the investigations before we charge him.”
Tandani Jim, 45, also from Wanapos village, succumbed to injuries sustained during her four-day ordeal.
Jim, along with three other women and a 10-year-old were rescued after police launched an operation and removed the women from a home in Wanapos on July 23.
They were brought to Wabag town where they were kept at a local health centre.
According to police reports: “Family members had locked the four women and the son of one of them in a house in the village.”
They suspected them of practising sorcery to kill members of their tribe.
“About six people in the area had died recently and the four women were accused of practising sorcery to eat their hearts and kill them.
“The incident was reported to police on the Monday. Police went in but were outnumbered. So I had to call for reinforcement from the Mobile Squad 12 based in Porgera.”