Three held for murder

 By PETER ESOP WARI

THREE people appeared before the Tari District Court on Monday charged with the wilful murder and armed robbery of two Chinese nationals on Sept 27.

The deceased are Len Shibao, 44, and Xie Xiaoju, 54.

They were leasing a trade store in Para village, Hides 4, in Hela, when five armed men entered the building in the evening and killed them, stole a substantial amount of money, mobile phones and other items before fleeing the scene.

Hela provincial police commander Supt Jimmy Onopia condemned the killing, saying people who had no love and respect for other people’s lives committed the murder.

Onopia said two more suspects were at large.

“Straight after the killing, I dispatched an investigation team and section of the mobile squads to the scene.”

Onopia said he pleaded with the councillor, village leaders and elders to give up the suspects and was assured by the councillor they would provide a feedback within an hour.

“We waited the whole day until 6pm, and when we called for the people, everyone fled,” Onopia said.

“We took up a search warrant and searched the villages.”

Onopia said during the search, dried marijuana plants and empty shells of shot guns and live rounds were discovered in eight homes.

He said the homes of the suspects were burnt to ashes and two suspects were arrested the same day while the third suspect surrendered the next day.

“We know the whereabouts of the other suspects and the leaders must cooperate with police. It is surprising to see councillors and leaders fleeing from police and aiding criminals.”

He said the murder painted a bad image of the province.