Over 50 suspects arrested for setting up illegal roadblocks in East Sepik

52 suspects involved in roadblocks and harassing the travel public between Yangoru and Maprik are now in police custody as investigations continue.

East Sepik Provincial Police Commander Superintendent Christopher Tamari told NBC News that the suspects were part of a group retaliating in response to a highway robbery last Friday, involving a route three-seven bus at the notorious Bel Blo Pig in Yamil Tamawi section of the Sepik Highway in Maprik.

Tamari said a health vehicle belonging to Wosera Gawi District was severely damaged, with several health workers physically and sexually harassed during the illegal roadblock.

“We have apprehended 52 suspects for setting up roadblocks and conveying in a bus and harassing the travelling public, which a health ten-seater belonging to Wosera Gawi district was damaged substantially,” Tamari told NBC News

“The passengers and health workers on board were sexually harassed and injured in the aftermath of the roadblock.”

Police responding to the situation apprehended the suspects whilst clearing the roadblocks, allowing commuters to travel freely since last weekend.

PPC Tamari said 52 suspects were picked up on Saturday and locked up at Wewak cells.

The Criminal Investigation Division in Wewak is handling the matter, and criminal charges will be filed once the reports are finalized.

“The CID in Wewak is currently progressing the case with all the witnesses, police officers, and victims brought in to give their statements,” he said.

“So once this is done, potential criminal charges will be identified and laid accordingly. Currently, they are held in the cells at Wewak.”