Womai tribe calls for justice over Dr Waiye’s death

Simbu PA John Punde addressed the public today. (Image: Supplied))

Relatives and tribesmen of the late Dr Robert Waiye have staged a peaceful march in Kundiawa, Simbu Province, calling for justice over his death.

Members of the Tabare Local Level Government, Tunaku Tribe and Womai Village in the Sinasina-Yongomugl District walked about three kilometres from Womai Village to Kundiawa town today, Wednesday, September 23.

They carried banners calling for “Justice for Dr Robert Waiye” before presenting a petition to provincial authorities.

Presenting the petition, Rev John Kamane, Chairman of the Simbu Education Board and an uncle of the late Dr Waiye, said the family and tribe did not want mediation or compensation.

“No mediation and no compensation, but the full force of the law. The amount of compensation will not add up to what we have lost, and therefore we want full justice to be served,” Rev. Kamane said.

The public gathered to witness the handover of the petition by the people of the late Dr Robert Waiye to the Simbu Provincial Government. (Image: Supplied)

He said the tribe was also calling on the Government to consider the death penalty for those found responsible for Dr Waiye’s death.

Rev Kamane called on Sinasina-Yongomugl MP Kerenga Kua to table the petition in Parliament.

The petition was presented to the Simbu Provincial Government, provincial administration, police, Simbu Provincial Health Authority and the province’s six Members of Parliament.

Deputy Governor Billy Siwi, representing Governor Noah Kool and the Simbu Provincial Government, accepted the petition and assured the group that the provincial government would assist in seeking justice.

He also apologised to the Tabare people, Womai Village, the district and the family of Dr Waiye over his death.

“Simbu is saddened that one of our doctors has fallen. SPG will stand behind to make sure justice prevails,” Mr Siwi said.

Eastern End Command and Assistant Police Commissioner Chief Superintendent Clement Dalla thanked the people of Tabare and Sinasina-Yongomugl for conducting the march peacefully.

He confirmed that seven people are in police custody in connection with Dr Waiye’s death and assured the group that the matter would be dealt with through the law.

Sinesine-Yongomugl MP Kerenga Kua with his people during the petition. (Image: Supplied)

Sinasina-Yongomugl MP Kerenga Kua, Provincial Administrator John Punde, police personnel, SiPHA representatives and other provincial leaders and community members attended the petition presentation.

Police investigations into Dr Waiye’s death are continuing.