Missing cop found alive

By CLIFFORD FAIPARIK
A PORT Moresby-based policeman has been found alive after a five-day search by police and villagers in Western, following a gun fight with armed criminals. Acting Southern Region commander Chief Supt Rigga Neggi said Snr Sergeant Daniel Yapri went missing early Monday morning (June 7) after criminals raided a logging camp near Kamusie at about 1am to kidnap someone and demand ransom. During the exchange of fire, Supt Neggi said Sgt Yapri went missing in the jungle. He was found last Friday at about 11am with the help of villagers. “He was not captured or taken hostage.
He just got lost during the confusion in the dark.” Supt Neggi is part of a 10-member police team from Port Moresby sent to Western. Sgt Yapri has been receiving medical attention at the Kamusi logging camp clinic.“He (has) blisters on his feet. “He (was walking around trying) to return to camp,” Supt Neggi said. Sgt Yapri, based in Konedobu, will return to Port Moresby this week. Supt Neggi said they were looking for the armed criminals who came from Komo in Hela and Nipa in Southern Highlands. “We received reports that two of the criminals are wounded and hiding with the rest of the gang in the bush.”Acting South Fly Police commander Snr Insp Ewai Segi earlier said he was concerned about the cases of hostage-taking at the Kamusi logging camp. Last May, a Mt Hagen-based mobile squad arrested 20 suspects involved in taking hostage 16 locals and expatriate staff from the logging camps.