Murders, arson reported in Morobe on Xmas Eve

THREE murders and an arson that claimed a life were reported in Morobe over the Christmas Eve week.
The murders occurred in Finschhafen, Huon Gulf and Tewai-Siassi.
The arson was committed in Wau’s Kaindi in Bulolo.
Police commander Supt Alex N’Drasal said a wanted murder suspect was killed by a group of Omong Barang villagers on Siassi Island last week. “The villagers had set upon the suspect because they were fed up with his criminal activities that were taunting and haunting them,” he said, adding that police were conducting a crime awareness programme on the island when the suspect was killed.
Supt N’Drasal said the suspect was a hard core criminal wanted for a string of major crimes reported on the island. He said the second murder was cult-related in Pindiu last Tuesday in which the victim’s relatives tried to retaliate but were stopped by community leaders.
“A few suspects to the cult killing from Ningit Village have surrendered. Those from Nayaro Village are still at large. We expect to make more arrests this week.”
The third murder was reported on Friday at the Northern-Morobe border where a young boat skipper from Salamaua’s Labu village was killed after transporting betel nuts from Northern to Morobe.
“We have contacted Northern police to help retrieve the body which is now in Popondetta Hospital’s mortuary,” Supt N’drasal said, adding that police from both provinces expect to make arrests soon.
He said the arson on Sunday was committed by a woman who was now on the run. One house was razed and Saikon Kowi, 42, from Aseki’s Okinaiwa Village in Menyamya, was killed in the blaze.
“We have the identity of the woman arsonist and we hope to make an arrest soon,” he said