Police have arrested three suspects in the sea piracy killing of a fisherman in Port Moresby last week.
The men from Tatana Village in Central province surrendered themselves to police today. Police confirmed the identities of five more suspects who are are still on the run.
The three suspects told police that they and five others went out to fish at sea when the incident happened.
They saw the deceased, Heni Heni, and his elder brother and three sons fishing, so they went to them with the intention of stealing their boat’s outboard motor.
It happened that the confrontation escalated, and the late Heni was alleged to have been beaten to death. The incident happened on the night of August 15.
Heni and his elder brother and three sons went on a fishing trip off Ela Beach, at the new Paga Hill Ring Road at around 7pm.
Just when they were collecting their catch, they were approached by the men.
Elder brother of the deceased, Nanai Heni, recalled that the men had crashed into their boat and started throwing stones and swinging bush knives at them.
The brothers jumped off the boat, unfortunately Heni was later found dead by a search party who were alerted by his eight-year-old son.
The two younger boys, who are twins, were also found abandoned in the dingy. Police were alerted about the incident by the eight-year-old son, but could do nothing as the men escaped with the motor.
With the help of Tatana villagers, Police retrieved the motor at the village last Wednesday and apprehended the three suspects today.
Police say the five known suspects will soon be arrested as well.
