Policeman released on bail by the court

A Madang based policeman, who was charged for the alleged murder of his wife last month; has been granted a K1,000 bail by the National Court.

Constable Sunny Zu from Jiwaka Province was initially refused bail by police, but subsequently engaged a lawyer to help him apply for bail through the courts. Although his bail application was granted by the National Court in Madang, he has been served his suspension notice.

Provincial Police Commander for Madang, Acting Superintendent Robert Baim said 34- year- old Zu is attached to the Sector Patrol Unit or Task Force. The victim in this case was 22-year-old Crystal Chris Salengwan from Biranis Village in the Sumkar District. She was a housewife and mother of their ten- month- old baby.

PPC Baim said, “The matter was immediately attended to by police investigators about three weeks ago before it started popping up on social media over the weekend. The policeman concerned will remain suspended pending the outcome of his case.”

According to an initial police investigation, Zu and his late wife had an ongoing domestic problem and the wife had since left their home at Sagalau, leaving him to fend for their child alone whilst she took refuge with her relatives or friends elsewhere.

Further investigation revealed that on the day Crystal met her fate, she decided to go to their family home at about six o’clock in the morning and get the baby. The husband, however; acted out of frustration and attacked her with a stick, causing multiple wounds to her body, and left her bleeding from the ears. She was brought to the hospital and placed at the Emergency Unit but died at about three o’clock in the afternoon.

PPC Baim said that following the incident, the suspect gave himself in to police at the Jomba Police Station and was placed in custody for processing.

The suspect has reportedly assisted his late wife’s family with a sum of eight thousand kina for repatriation and funeral expenses. The money was handed over to the family of the deceased, witnessed by the arresting officer. Police have clarified the money was not compensation payment, and the case will proceed to court.

Acting Superintendent Baim further stated, “It is important to note that such matters are outside the jurisdiction of the police and the police will not be involved in any form of compensation or related matters. These are private arrangements handled by the parties involved. I want to assure everyone that the case will be thoroughly processed through the judicial system to determine its final outcome. We will make sure justice is served for the Late Crystal".