The increasing number of murder cases in Northern Province recently has prompted police to strengthen their operations.
Chief Inspector, Lincoln Gerari, reported that between August and November, eleven murder cases were registered.
Police in the Northern Province have been tasked to the crime scenes, allowing normalcy to return in the communities.
Gerari said that all these deaths are either alcohol and drug related, or sorcery killings tied to land disputes.
“These are a string of murder cases that have unfolded in Northern Province recently. On Sunday it was up at Kokoda after a rugby league grand final match and then Jonita and Sakita area,” Gerari said.
The suspect of the Jonita murder case has surrendered to police and investigations are now continuing.
Medical officials from Popondetta General Hospital have not provided information as to the cause of the victim’s death, it has yet to be determined.
“They’re trying to establish the cause of his death. As soon as the person is arrested and charged, we will provide updates.”
The search is also continuing for the premeditated murder of late John Perewa, at the Kokoda Station on Sunday November 7, 2016.
The incident occurred during the rugby grand grand final match.
The suspect identified as Peter One comes from Woitape in the Central Province and is wanted by police for four other murders.
“The suspect for some unknown reasons armed himself with a bush knife during the remaining minutes of the grand final and attacked the deceased.”
“He stabbed him on the chest. The suspect concealed his weapons in one of the NBPOL company vehicle’s.”
In a brief report to the Provincial Police Commander, the suspect has fled and has not been located by police after a special operation was conducted.
A mobile unit from Port Moresby has been deployed to Kokoda and will oversee the situation.
Police said that as sufficient information is gathered they will return to boost man power at the MS Section and will man hunt the suspect.
Provincial Police Commander, Chief Inspector, Lincoln Gerari, said that police have allowed the release of the suspect’s name, because of the murder cases he committed and for the safety of the community as he has escaped from prison.
