Main suspect of sorcery related violence re-arrested
One of the main suspects allegedly involved in the torture of an elderly man, destruction and set fire on 13 houses with livestock in Kombumogo village in Kerowagi District in 2023 has been re-arrested last Tuesday.
The violence, which erupted following the death of a man believed to be linked to sorcery, led to widespread destruction.
A total of eight suspects were arrested and charged with willful murder and arson in relation to the incident.
PNG Tribal Foundation President, GT Bustin said the case is one of the many ongoing sorcery accusation-related violence [SARV] cases the Foundation has been supporting.
“This is about ensuring justice is served to those who continue to accuse innocent people and destroy lives and property,” Bustin said.
The suspect, who had already been arrested and charged, failed to appear in court for several months.
A bench warrant was issued by the National Court last week, leading to his re-arrest by police on Tuesday.
He is currently in police custody and is expected to appear in court soon.
“Tribal Foundation had to fund the re-arrest of several perpetrators who have been let out on bail, including some who were involved in murder on various incidents and should not have been let out on bail in different cases,” Mr Bustin said.
According to the Foundation’s records, three of the suspects are remanded in Barawagi Prison, while five are out on bail and attending court hearings.
The incident occurred on the morning of September 2, 2023, when a mob entered the home of an elderly man at 6:00 a.m., allegedly dragged him out, tortured him, burned several houses belonging to his family, and destroyed livestock and garden food.
His children fled for their lives.
The victim was later rescued by locals and taken to Mingidi Rural Hospital in Kerowagi, where he remained admitted for three months.
The PNG Tribal Foundation assisted the survivor covering hospital bills, assisting police logistics including fuel and paperwork, and supporting the progression of the case throughout the years.
The survivor lives with his three children, aged 10, 12, and 27.