Survivors of sorcery accusation-related violence fear reprisals

By REBECCA KUKU
SURVIVORS of the Lakolam sorcery accusation-related violence (Sarv) case are being threatened by the perpetrators and their families.
On July 22, nine women were rounded up and tortured for allegedly using sorcery to cause the death of local businessman Jacob Luke.
Four died from injuries sustained and five were rescued, including a pregnant mother of two.
Churches and human rights defenders called on the Prime Minister James Marape, who is also the acting Police Minister, and Police Commissioner David Manning to step in and order the immediate arrest of the perpetrators involved in the torture and murder of women in Lakolam village in Enga.
A church leader, who did not want to be named, told The National that the survivors and their families were still living in fear.
“The Prime Minister, as the Police Minister, and his Commissioner David Manning must take action and ensure that the perpetrators are arrested immediately,” he said.
“We could do nothing to save the other four women who were tortured to death but we can do something now to protect the five who survived.”
“It is no secret that local police do not have the manpower or the resources to make the arrests especially when the community is protecting the perpetrators, we need intervention from the Police Commissioner and Police Minister’s office.”
Prime Minister’s chief media officer Tonny Maben said that the Sarv case was a matter for police to handle.