A suspect identified as Judas Akole from Angoram has been apprehended by Angoram Police for allegedly injuring two women with a wire catapult in 2025, an attack that later claimed the life of one of the victims while she was undergoing medical treatment.
According to East Sepik Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Christopher Tamari, the suspect is now in police custody and will be formally charged.
PPC Tamari said the suspect was arrested during a routine drunkenness patrol at the X-Service Camp in Angoram on Thursday. He is currently being detained at the police station while police complete the charging process.
Superintendent Tamari said the suspect had been on the run since he became wanted in connection with the October 25, 2025 incident near the Angoram Hospital area, where two young women were allegedly struck in the forehead with a wire catapult. One of the victims later died from her injuries, while the other survived after receiving medical treatment.
PPC Tamari commended both police officers and members of the public for their efforts in locating the suspect, highlighting the importance of strong community-police partnerships in maintaining law and order.
He said the attack had deeply shocked the community and stressed that violent crimes involving dangerous weapons such as wire catapults would not be tolerated. PPC Tamari added that police had been monitoring the suspect, and his arrest marks an important step in the investigation. He said anyone who harms another person must face the full force of the law
