Eight in custody over sorcery-related killing in Hela

wo of the other suspects involved in the torture and murder of the woman arrested by police in Magarima, Hela Province (Image: Supplied)

Eight suspects, including the alleged shooter, are in police custody following the brutal torture and murder of a woman accused of sorcery in Magarima, Hela Province.

The suspects surrendered on Sunday, 6 July 2025, following community-led negotiations facilitated by local leaders, the Magarima District Chief Executive Officer, and police teams.

Hela Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Superintendent Michael Welly, confirmed the arrests and commended the coordinated response by law enforcement and community stakeholders.

The operation was formally launched on Friday, during a visit to Magarima by Hela Governor Philip Undialu and Minister for Bougainville Affairs and Magarima MP Manasseh Makiba. Both leaders called for community cooperation and urged those involved to surrender peacefully.

Police units deployed from Tari later arrested the eight suspects, who were transported to Tari Police Station for formal processing. Superintendent Welly confirmed that additional suspects have been identified, including individuals believed to be from Biango Village in the Kandep District of Enga Province, and that cross-border cooperation is underway with Enga police to apprehend them.

The success of the operation was made possible through a collective effort, involving Governor Undialu, Minister Makiba, Upper Wage LLG President Yalo Hape, the Magarima District Development Authority CEO, Mobile Squad 09 Commander, Magarima Rural Police Station Commander Peter Okep, local ward councilors, and community leaders.

He added that the direct involvement of senior political leaders has sent a clear message that sorcery-related violence will not be tolerated in the province.

Superintendent Welly reminded the public that sorcery-related killings are prosecutable under Papua New Guinea’s Criminal Code. The Sorcery Act was repealed in 2013, and accusations of sorcery do not justify any form of violence.

Police investigations are ongoing, and more arrests are expected in the coming days. Authorities are working closely with Enga Provincial Police to locate and apprehend suspects outside Hela Province.