K50,000 reward for information on murderers in Hela

Commissioner of Police, David Manning, has announced that a K50,000 reward has been placed for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the torture and murder of a woman in Hela Province.

“It was with absolute disgust that the nation witnessed the brutal degradation, torture and murder of a Highlands woman in the past week,” Commissioner Manning said.

“There are no words to describe the animal acts of those who tortured and murdered this woman. For those who watched on but did nothing, the word is coward.

“This was inhuman torture and murder by animals who do not share the values of our nation.

“I condemn in the strongest terms these so called ‘cultural beliefs’ of sanguma. These excuses for abhorrent crimes are an abomination. These are not the beliefs of our society. They were not known to our nation 50 years ago and have no place in our nation today.

Murder is murder, no matter what your so called ‘cultural beliefs’ may be. Police are applying all available resources to bring to justice those responsible for this heinous crime.

Commissioner Manning said there are two groups of criminals that are being pursued by police in connection with this incident.

The first group is who the Commissioner has put the reward for as they are believed to have participated actively in the abuse and murder of the woman. The second group are individuals who provided material support.

“The priority is the arrest of those who tortured and killed this woman. I have directed PPC Hela Province to leave no stone unturned and use the full force of the law to do everything necessary to remove this element from our communities.”

The Commissioner said several faces have been identified from video of the abuse and murder, and the first six of these suspects are being circulated to the public.

“Police will pay a K50,000 reward for specific information that leads to arrest of each of these individuals.
“We are calling on local communities to do the right thing. Many people in these communities know the identities and whereabouts of these violent criminals. Speak up and do what is right to help police put an end to this brutal violence that cannot be tolerated.

“Members of the public can reach out to the Hela Provincial Police Commander to provide information. This will be kept confidential, and payment will be made accordingly once the suspects have been secured.

“There must be no escape for these criminals and justice must be served" Commissioner Manning said.