Hit-and-run driver charged with wilful murder

The driver of a vehicle that was involved in a fatal hit-and-run incident in the early hours of Sunday, 23 August, 2026, along Madang's Modilon Road, has been charged with one count of wilful murder.

Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Robert Baim revealed the suspect's name to be Eugene Makis, aged 34 from Sepa Villlage in Bogia District. He is a security supervisor with a security firm in Port Moresby.

According to initial police investigation, Makis was driving along the Modilon Road in the early hours of Sunday, between 1 and 2am, when he hit the deceased person from behind outside the Job Kai Bar.

"The driver had all the opportunities to avoid hitting the victim who was walking in the middle of the road. He was driving with high beams on. Also, there was sufficient lighting from shops within the vicinity, and the place was all lit up," PPC Baim said.

"He saw the victim walking and could have applied the brake to stop or swerve to either sides of the road as there were no oncoming vehicles at that time. It was the only vehicle on that particular stretch of the road at that time.

"The road was free, and the driver could have avoided the victim, but he did not. He had all the opportunities available to avoid hitting the victim but he did not use them.

"Investigators, therefore, believe it was intentional and so have charged the driver with wilful murder under section 229, sub section 1 of the Criminal Code Act."

Police further revealed that the victim, Roderick Hahambu, from Kubalia in the Yangoru-Sausia district of East Sepik, was at the Top Night Club on the night of the incident, however, left amidst an argument.

Supt Baim said the driver was also in the club at that time.

A post mortem on the body was conducted last Friday, which revealed the Late Roderick had his spleen ruptured, both his lungs burst, and the lower part of his right leg broken upon impact. He died on the spot due to the severity of injuries caused to his internal organs.

Roderick was an employee of PNG Power at the time of his death. He was a young linesman.

Baim said Makis has been refused police bail and will remain in custody until he appears before the Commital Court for mention.

"This is a serious case and police will not allow him bail. However, he can try to seek bail through the National Court," the Madang PPC said.

"As usual, a suspect is a suspect until proven guilty or otherwise by the court."