Moresby North-West MP charged with murder

News that matter in Papua New Guinea

Moresby North-West MP charged with murder

Who pulled the trigger still a mystery

PORT MORESBY: Police have arrested and charged Moresby North-West MP Lohia Boe Samuel with murder in connection with the shooting in a restaurant on Friday (March 11, 2022).

Samuel’s staff, Fabian Taunakekei, was interviewed and detained over the same shooting at dinner in the restaurant.

Samuel, from the ruling Pangu Pati, was detained in the Boroko police station lockup after he turned up at the invitation of the police to have his statement recorded.

Although the pistol used in the shooting belonged to Samuel, who pulled the trigger is still a mystery.

The news break was published by The National:

MP charged with murder

March 18, 2022The NationalMain Stories

By MIRIAM ZARRIGA
POLICE arrested and charged Moresby North-West MP Lohia Boe Samuel with murder in connection with the shooting in a restaurant on Friday.
Samuel’s staff, Fabian Taunakekei, was interviewed and detained over the same shooting at dinner in the restaurant.
Samuel, from the ruling Pangu Pati, was detained in the Boroko police station lockup after he turned up at the invitation of the police to have his statement recorded.
Police Commissioner David Manning said: “Investigations have been completed.
“From the brief I have received, the evidence collected is sufficient to support the charge the police are alleging against the MP.
“While being interviewed, the MP chose his right to remain silent as investigators questioned him on the incident (shooting).”
National Capital District (NCD)/Central commander Assistant Commissioner Anthony Wagambie Jr said Samuel was escorted to the NCD homicide and charged under Section 300 sub section (1) (b)(ii) of the PNG Criminal Code Act.
“The firearm is owned and licensed to the Member of Parliament.”
Wagambie said investigators had to piece together information and evidence before effecting the arrest yesterday.
At the time of the shooting, Samuel was in the company of one of his staff and the deceased (Robert Jerry, 38, a father of seven who was one of the MP’s campaign coordinators).
Wagambie said: “While we understand the emotions and public outcry through different forms of media, the police have a constitutional duty to perform and must remain focused throughout the investigation
“Police investigators had to gather evidence and information to ensure that the right person is charged with discharging the firearm resulting in death.”
Police have refused Samuel bail.
The mother of Robert, Madeline Jerry told The National: “For my family, we just want justice.
“All we want is justice.
“This news of the MP and his staff being charged is accepted by us.
“We will see this through to court.
“This charge will not bring Robert back but…”
Earlier at the police station yesterday afternoon, Samuel and his staff member arrived at about 1.25pm and were escorted into Wagambie’s office where Assistant Commissioner (Crimes) Hodges Ette and Boroko CID officer-in-charge Superintendent Robert Volo met with the MP before he was escorted into the Boroko homicide office to be interviewed.
Both men were separated in the interview room and the recording of statement concluded at about 3.30pm.
Samuel was escorted out to the back door of the motor squad office and taken to the Boroko lockup where his particulars were entered.
With Parliament sitting on Tuesday afternoon, it was confirmed by a Parliament source that Samuel would still be allowed to attend the session.
“He is innocent until proven guilty,” the source said.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Growing unemployment rate in Papua New Guinea

Image
News that matter in Papua New Guinea Growing unemployment rate in Papua New Guinea (Employment stagnant since 2014) PORT MORESBY: Employment in Papua New Guinea (PNG) has remained stagnant since 2014 with millions of unemployed looking for jobs. The formal job market currently can only accommodate between 400,000 and 500,000, Institute of National Affairs executive director Paul Barker says. “As more young people enter the job market this year after graduating from tertiary institutions and schools, the chances of securing formal employment is slim. “Employment had remained stagnant despite the increase in potential workers coming out of educations institutions,” he added. Read on for more details as published by The National : Hard to get jobs January 27, 2022 The National Main Stories By DALE LUMA MILLIONS of eligible workers around the country are looking for jobs in the formal sector, which currently can ...
Read more

Sugu Valley tribal war death toll rises to at least 30

Image
News that matters in Papua New Guinea Armed tribal warriors on the move in Sugu Valley. Sugu Valley tribal war death toll rises to at least 30 PORT MORESBY: At least six tribes have been fighting in Sugu Valley (Kagua-Erave, Southern Highlands) since Feb 10, 2019, without any signs of an end and peace. In fact, the death toll has risen to at least 30, up from 11 on May 23, 2019, and the opening of a new battlefront in Sumbura near Poroma with multiple deaths reported in 24 wards. Armed tribal warriors on the march into the forests and jungles. PNG Cyber Monitor had on a May 25, 2019, posting ( https://pngcybermonitor.blogspot.com/2019/05/real-life-rifles-bows-and-arrows-bloody.html Real life rifles, bows and arrows bloody fights in PNG ) highlighted the bloody battle waged by tribal warriors armed with rifles, bows and arrows and knives. PNG Cyber Monitor is again highlighting the plight of the villagers who have been living in fear as reported by The Nationa...
Read more

Sorcery shame for Papua New Guinea in X’mas

Image
News that matter in Papua New Guinea Sorcery tortures and violence are still being practised in Papua New Guinea in this 21st Century digital era. Sorcery shame for Papua New Guinea in X’mas PORT MORESBY: It was international shame for Papua New Guinea (PNG) this Christmas when sorcery reared its ugly head. Six women were stripped, bound to poles and burnt with hot knives as they screamed in pain, watched by an unsympathetic crowd. In a video that has gone viral in the internet, the women were accused of practising sorcery in Southern’s Enga. Police Comm David Manning described the sorcery torture as vile, inhumane, uncivilised, void of any human decency. “Papua New Guinea cannot progress without letting go of these horrific traditional beliefs. We have launched an urgent probe into the incident in Aiya’s Pawayamo village in Kagua-Erave.” The news break was published by The National : Horror torture of women Decem...
Read more