Relatives of man reject compo, want suspects arrested

RELATIVES of a man allegedly shot dead in Southern Highlands two weeks ago have rejected compensation and told police to arrest the four suspects first.
Charles Wip of Sumia village in Imbonggu died on Dec 29 while his injured accomplice Paul Mangalu is admitted at the Mendi Provincial Hospital.
Police, peace and good order committee members, community leaders and the Wip’s relatives gathered at Ialibu station in the Ialibu-Pangia district on Monday for a mediation ceremony.
But Wip’s relatives refused to discuss anything until the four suspects were arrested.
Wip’s relative Peter Muri said they wanted the four to surrender themselves to police.
“Relatives of the four arranged for pigs and money to be paid as belkol while the four are still at large,” he said.
“But we will not accept belkol.
“It is a police matter now and they have to surrender first.
“There is a dead person lying in the morgue and another fighting for his life in hospital,” Muri said.
Mendi police station commander Inspector Mack Hanema urged councillors, local level government presidents and peace mediators to work with police in rounding up the four.