Seamen charged with murder

By MIRIAM ZARRIGA
POLICE in Lae have charged two Papua New Guinean men with a count of murder each after the disappearance of 25-year-old Balthazar Sidkum, from Madang’s Simbai in Lae, Morobe, on April 13.
His remains were washed up on shore four days later.
Morobe police commander Chief Insp John Daviaga told The National that investigations saw the eight-man crew, including two senior officers from the Philippines, sail back into Morobe from Madang.
“The eight-men crew were interviewed, both men who are nationals, were charged with one count of murder each,” he said.
The National understands the two men (both friends of Sidkum) were alleged to have been with him prior to his disappearance.
According to a letter addressed to the police commanders of Morobe and Madang, Sidkum’s family said their last contact with him was on April 6 while the ship was in Bougainville.
The letter that prompted an investigation into the disappearance of Sidkum, stated that the ship, owned by a reputable company, arrived in Lae, with Sidkum disappearing from it on April 13.
A colleague of Sidkum said prior to his disappearance, he was in a jovial mood.
Sidkum’s colleague said they spoke for several minutes before Sidkum left him and went down below the ship deck to fetch some water.
His family said he disappeared after that.
The family told The National that the decision of the company to allow its ship to leave Morobe when Sidkum disappeared left a lot of unanswered questions.
Chief Insp Daviaga said he wanted to make it clear that the ship, in line with police investigations, should have remained in Lae while police searched for the missing crew member.
“The ship should not have left Lae, I am pleased that my men have conducted investigations into Balthazar’s disappearance and have charged those who are alleged to have a part in his disappearance,” he said.
The skeletal remains of Sidkum washed up on the shores of Markham River with an arm missing on April 17.
Police are continuing their investigation.