Torturers asked to surrender

By MIRIAM ZARRIGA
NATIONAL Capital District Metropolitan Superintendent Gideon Ikumu has called on the men who tortured two women on Sunday to surrender themselves to police.
“Sorcery allegations made against those who are weak has to stop,” he said.
Police, after being tipped off, rescued the two women whose bodies were covered with burns and knife wounds.
“The attacks on the two women show that even in a city like Port Moresby, allegations of these kind will still be made against women and girls,” he said.
“I ask witnesses to assist police by providing their statements so we can arrest those who tortured these women.”
Met Supt Ikumu said witchcraft and sorcery were evil.
NCD Governor Powes Parkop, who is the co-chairman of the coalition of parliamentarians against gender-based violence, said they were disgusted by the actions of the men who fled when police arrived at the 5-Mile settlement.
“We are horrified and disgusted by the actions taken by the men who preyed on the two women, accusing them of practising sorcery and putting them through unimaginable pain and suffering,” Parkop said.
“The women were bound, tortured and to be burned at the stake.
“This is one of the medieval period practices in Europe.
“It will not be tolerated in the city.”
Coalition chairman and Alotau MP Charles Abel said the horrific injuries suffered by the women were sickening.