Milne Bay family of three burnt to death in brutal attack
A family of three was burnt to death after more than 15 alleged criminals attacked their home in Yapowa Village, Milne Bay Province, in the early hours of Monday morning.
The victims, a father, mother and their 25-year-old son, were at their home in Maramatana Local Level Government, Alotau District, when the attackers allegedly stormed the house demanding food and valuables.
The victims have been identified as 56-year-old Karrybert Frank, his 55-year-old wife, Tracy Frank, and their 25-year-old son, Derek Frank.
Milne Bay Provincial Police Commander Chief Inspector Benjamin Kua said the attackers entered the family’s home at about 3am on Monday.
Kua said the father and son were repeatedly stabbed with crowbars and iron rods, while Tracy was also beaten with metal rods as she tried to protect her family.
He said the family was still inside the house when the attackers set it on fire, killing all three.
Meanwhile, Kua said one suspect was apprehended by community members and severely beaten, with his hands reportedly chopped off. The suspect later died from blood loss while being taken to hospital.
A second suspect has also been apprehended and is now in police custody at Alotau Police Station as investigations continue.
The bodies of the three victims are currently at the Alotau Provincial Morgue.
Alotau MP Ricky Morris has condemned the killings and called on those involved in criminal activities to stop what he described as malicious, greedy, inhuman and illegal acts.
Morris has also called on the Police Commissioner to intervene and support a joint police operation. He pledged that the Alotau District would provide logistical and financial support.
He said those responsible for the killings must be arrested and held accountable under the full force of the law