Part of gang arrested

By YVONNE KAMBIBEL
THIRTY-TWO suspects, all part of a gang involved in a spate of crimes in East Sepik’s Angoram, have been arrested, Border Command ACP Peter Philip says.
“They were all rounded up during the festive crime-prevention with the support of frustrated communities,” he said.
ACP Philip said more than 200 villagers felt it was time for the suspects to face the full brunt of the law and helped police round up the suspects.
“The suspects, from various villages and communities, were part of a gang involved in rape, murder and assault for quite some time,” he said.
“They are now in police custody awaiting court appearance.
“I have given specific directives to the police station commander not to allow police bail or negotiations.
“The gang leader was slashed to death about four weeks ago by the community after he was caught raping a mother of two.
“Many other suspected gang members are still at large.
“The challenge now is to identify and arrest all of them.”
ACP Philip said little villages and communities in Angoram were not accessible by roads so arresting a huge number of suspects was always a challenge for local police.
He commended the tremendous efforts of communities to help police rein in on the suspects.
ACP Philip said although he would not name a particular community for their safety, “the elites and the intellectual members of the community who assisted police are very commendable”.