By Vicky Baunke in Goroka EHP
Police in Eastern Highlands are continuing investigations into the murder of a driver who was attacked by an angry crowd following a fatal road accident that claimed the lives of three children along the Highlands Highway in Bena District.
Acting Eastern Highlands Provincial Police Commander Inspector Josephine Kumai, during a recent media conference, confirmed that the incident occurred at Sokie Village in the Lampo section on June 12.
According to the police brief, the vehicle driven by Max Phillip from Nangil Village in Mul-Baiyer, Western Highlands Province, veered off the road and struck three children who were sitting beside the roadside. All three died instantly.
According to police enraged villagers assaulted the driver with bush knives before taking him to a nearby house, where he was allegedly murdered. He was later transported to Goroka Provincial Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. A crew member travelling with him managed to escape.
Inspector Kumai said investigations are proceeding on two fronts. The Highway Patrol is investigating the fatal traffic accident, while the Criminal Investigation Division is handling the wilful murder case.
She confirmed that a murder suspect has been arrested and is being held in police custody while investigations continue. A post-mortem examination has also been completed on the deceased driver.
Inspector Kumai has urged motorists to exercise greater care when travelling on the province’s roads.
She also appealed to the public not to take the law into their own hands, saying those involved in road accidents should be handed over to police.
Inspector Kumai said members of the public must act as responsible and civilised citizens by protecting lives, vehicles and property while allowing police to carry out their investigations and the courts to administer justice.
