Officers received training to investigate sorcery

PERPETRATORS of sorcery accusation related violence (SARV) in the Southern Highlands will be held accountable for their crimes after 26 police officers recently received training on how to investigate the offence and prosecute those responsible.
Provincial police commander Martin Lakari said SARV was widespread in the Highlands region
He said it was important police officers were able to investigate and prosecute the crimes.
“Police are the first point of contact when SARV escalates in the communities and villages, so it’s important to possess the necessary skills to effectively investigate and prosecute,” Lakari said.
Human rights advocate Mary Kini said police had a central role to play in tackling SARV and urged the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary and other services to collaborate and ensure survivors were able to access the support they needed.