Arson suspects involved in burning of Ramu police house appear in court
Two prime suspects allegedly responsible for the recent burning down of a police house and a private vehicle, belonging to the police officer whose house was torched to the ground at the Ramu Sugar Police Barracks, have appeared for mention before the Ramu District Court on two charges each for arson.
The two were identified as 24- year- old Korago Sirimu, and his younger brother Taiman Sirimu, 18 from Goiro Village in Naho/Rawa LLG, Raikos District.
They are both unemployed and reside at the Sakiko Care Centre near the Ramu Sugar township.
The two were part of a group of drunk men who were involved in illegal gambling. A fight broke out amongst the drunkard gamblers and when police arrived, Taiman fell in front of the police vehicle whilst trying to run away.
The police vehicle was falsely accused of running over Taiman killing him instantly. Officers who were on duty at that time assisted Taiman to the hospital where he was stabilised and received treatment for injuries he sustained during the drunken brawl.
However, in the process of doing this, the police officers and vehicle were stoned by the public.
Assuming that Taiman was dead, the public mobilised and marched to the township, stoned two police houses, and burnt down one plus all personal belongings, including the policeman’s private vehicle.
Meanwhile, 52 other suspects have been identified for malicious damages caused to one of the Treasury houses near the scene of the burnt down police house, break-ins, and stealing at the Kostko Investment Ltd Supermarket, and the Post Office boxes.
They were identified through CCTV footages retrieved from the shops as well as witnesses’ statements that were collected by the investigating team, led by First Constable Eliud Seipe.
Provincial Police Commander for Madang, Superintendent Robert Baim confirmed the two prime suspects have been moved to Lae for their own safety and will be detained at Buimo CS.
He said some of those involved are settlers who work as seasonal workers or labourers with the Ramu Agri- Industries Limited.
He added that Ramu town is generally peaceful, and such unruly behavior is not good for the public.
“Ramu Sugar just like any other towns, has people from all over Papua New Guinea working and living there. It’s a mixture of Papua New Guineans and the company should accommodate its seasonal workers properly instead of just allowing them to create settlements amongst the sugar fields and oil palm plantations.
“When people start coming up with all kinds of ideas, it is not good for law and order. It can create problems that are not good for the company and the township,” Superintendent Baim said.