Imbongu family gives ultimatum over Stanley Kera’s killing

The family and tribesmen of slain Imbonggu man Stanley Kera have given a seven-day ultimatum to those they accuse of being involved in his killing, demanding that they come forward and take responsibility.

Tribal leader and former Kumul Telikom Holdings Limited Managing Director, Jessie Wangua, says the family has repeatedly called on the alleged perpetrators to come forward, including during the late Kera’s haus krai in Port Moresby.

However, he says no one has responded to their calls.

Wangua has specifically called on people from Sugu Valley in Kagua-Erave District of Southern Highlands Province and Purani in Koroba-Kopiago District of Hela Province to address the matter.

He added the people of Imbonggu are peace-loving people who believe in resolving disputes peacefully, describing the killing of their tribesman as barbaric and unacceptable.

“We are a peaceful people who always believe in peace and resolving issues through peaceful means. The killing of our brother, Stanley Kera, is barbaric and unacceptable. He, his family and our tribe had no affiliation with those responsible for his death. We want those involved to come forward and take responsibility.”

Wangua says the family wants the matter resolved through traditional Melanesian reconciliation, but also wants the suspects arrested so police investigations can proceed.

The seven-day ultimatum, which began on Friday, October 9, outlines two demands.

The first is for the two groups named by the family to come forward and resolve the matter through traditional reconciliation, with the family demanding K500,00 and 200 pigs in compensation separately for the alleged perpetrators of Sugu Valley and Purani.

The second is for the suspects to be apprehended and arrested, allowing police to investigate the killing and ensure those responsible face the law.

" We the people of Olgai Welali (OWW) of Imbonggu District and the family of Late Stanley Kera have forward our demand to be resolved through our Melanesian way and that is for the Sugu Valley to compensate K500,000 and 200 live pigs which also goes to the people of Purani that they too must meet the same demand of K500,000 and 200 live pigs."

" an innocent life has been taken for no good reason and for that justice must also be served through the hands of the law and arrest also must be made to the perpetrators," a frustrated Wangua pointed out.

As of Monday, October 12, Wangua says the family had received no response to their demands nor owing up to their wrong doing.

Meanwhile, Minister for Justice and Attorney-General and MP for Imbonnggu Pila Niningi has also condemned the killing, describing it as a tragic loss of a young man with a promising future.

Niningi, who attended the late Kera’s haus krai on Monday 12th October, says Stanley’s life was cut short after he was allegedly mistaken for a tribal enemy.

“It is very unfortunate that a young man with so much potential has lost his life in this manner. His life has been cut short because he was mistaken for a tribal enemy. Those responsible must come forward and face the full force of the law.”

Niningi says he will work with the haus krai committee to help address the matter.

He has called on those allegedly involved to come forward and allow the law to take its course.

Tuesday, October 13, marks the fifth day of the ultimatum, as the people of Olgai Welali in Walume and the late Kera’s family wait for a response.

The family is demanding accountability for Stanley’s death, while calling for traditional reconciliation and police action to address the killing.