By Samantha Semoso – EMTV Online
A New Zealand teenager is being held in custody in Vanuatu, following allegations that he is responsible for the murder of another man.
Ned Lowe, an 18-year-old New Zealander is being held in custody in Port Vila Correctional Facility after the death of Vanuatu citizen, Roger Kamisak.
The incident was said to have occurred following a drunken beach fight in July of this year.
The death prompted a major backlash in the island nation, with several fires started at the Tanna Lodge, owned by Lowe’s family. The accused’s parents, Hugh and Stella Lowe, have been placed under police protection.
Vanuatu Police Chief Inspector, George Twomey, said it was alleged Kamisak was beaten to death with a plank of wood and then run over with a car before his body was found the following morning.
It’s alleged the fight was over a girl who was drinking with two local men that night.
The Chief Inspector has said it was a “very, very vicious” killing.
Kamisak’s death escalated tensions, and the grieving family vented their frustration over their sudden loss. This has resulted in six bungalows in the Tanna Lodge, which was managed by the suspect’s father, going up in flames.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs for New Zealdn said in a statement: “The New Zealand High Commission in Port Vila offered consular assistance to the lodge owner, a New Zealand citizen. The Ministry couldn’t comment further.”
Lowe is expected to face court later in the year charged with murder.
