Two men charged with killing rugby player

By MIRIAM ZARRIGA
POLICE say two men have been charged with murdering a 20-year-old rugby player in Port Moresby on Feb 8.
Following the killing of Mavara Sere Jr, known as Masa to his family and friends, National Capital District (NCD)/Central commander ACP Anthony Wagambie Jr initiated a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to engage in a community approach to policing in Hanuabada.
“I am confident we will be able to address and manage law and order issues within Hanuabada and Motu Koitabu villages after the MoU signing,” he said.
“I envision a community approach to policing in this particular environment.
“Giving back ownership of law and order issues.”
Sere Jr died from wounds sustained during a fight between Hanuabada and Baruni village youths at about 1am on Feb 7.
Following his death, angry relatives and friends set up roadblocks along the Hanuabada bypass towards Gabi on Feb 8.
Motu Koitabu chairman Dadi Toka Jr went to Baruni village with Zone 1 commander Fred Tundu and spoke with the families of murder suspects.
The suspects were then handed over to police.
Toka Jr said Masa was an avid rugby player and a leader who stood for what was right.
“He was a great player for the Hanuabada Mangi League. Masa was the captain for the Hetoa Steelers,” he said, adding that he was a bright young man who recently graduated from Grade 12 and accepted into tertiary study this year.
In another case, police have yet to make any arrest for the killing of three men last week in what was believed to have been a drug deal that went wrong.
According to NCD police, the killings were related to a marijuana deal at 2-Mile, Moresby South, between several men from Hela’s Tari and Central’s Goilala.