Suspect surrenders

A MAN who has failed to turn up in court since 2008 for a robbery-related case has surrendered himself to police in Kokopo, East New Britain.
Provincial police commander Senior Inspector Joseph Tabali said Michael Warerek, 45, of Tamanairik village in the Toma-Vunadidir local level government in Gazelle surrendered himself after one of his co-accused was arrested last week.
“The accused had absconded court since 2008,” Tabali said.
“He was part of a gang of five who robbed a shop at Rapitok village in 2008.
“All five were charged with armed robbery. They appeared in court and released on bail.
“Their case had proceeded to the National Court but they absconded.”
Warerek has been further charged with escaping from lawful custody.
Tabali said after learning that one of his accomplices had been arrested, he turned himself in.
Tabali thanked the Tamanairik ward councillor for bringing him to the police station.
“I appeal to other village leaders and guarantors who know of people who have absconded their court cases to tell them to surrender to authorities,” he said.
Kokopo police have more than 100 outstanding bench warrants to execute, for offences committed a long time.