Order to probe deaths

 By SHEILA MALKEN

THE National Executive Council will investigate the recent deaths of Correctional Service Commissioner Martin Balthazar and his deputy David Melange.

Correctional Service Minister Jim Simatab said Cabinet had allocated K750,000 for the investigation.  

 “NEC has strongly recommended that investigations be thoroughly carried out into the manner in which the two died because the deaths occurred two days apart,” Simatab said.

 “Through the assistance of Minister for Works Francis Awesa, two police officers have been sent to begin investigations into the deaths of the two officers,” Simatab said.

Simatab asked Cabinet to assist the department in repatriating the two bodies to their provinces.

The autopsy and other tests had already been done at the hospital.

The investigation would begin at the hotel in Goroka where the two were staying.

“In particular Deputy Commissioner Melange who just collapsed in his room and died before reaching the hospital,” Simatab said.

“We really need to go down there and find out what really happened in the hotel at that time because there are some speculations of how he died. We want to ensure that those speculations do not affect their relatives.

“We don’t want the families and relatives to think that there was some foul play. That is why the Government will have to conduct the investigation,” Simatab said.