Five men have been arrested in relation to the series of murders, rapes and property destruction in Angoram, East Sepik in Papua New Guinea.
The five young men who have so far been arrested have complied with lawful direction of police and are behind bars,” Police Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jr said.
Assistant police commissioner Perou N’dranou confirmed the five arrests.
From a progress report he received from acting provincial police commander (PPC) James Baugen, N’dranou said the arrest was “great news for the police deployment to Angoram”.
“Seeing heavy police presence and constant patrols into the suspected villages, the public is coming forward to provide adequate information,” he said.
“The five from Tambari village surrendered to police at Moim village.
“The acting PPC was on hand to receive the suspects.”
They were taken to Wewak Police Station to be processed.
Tsiamalili said: “There will be more arrests in connection with this matter.
“If any of these wanted men are unwise enough to resist, or raise a weapon, police have the full support of the law to discharge their duties.
“What this gang has done is beyond the comprehension of any decent person, and they will pay the price.
“These are sick individuals, who prey upon vulnerable communities with depravity.
“These criminals will feel the full weight of the law.
“Around the country criminals like these are learning that violence begets violence, so lay down your weapons, or they will be laid down for you.” he said.
Since the violence occurred last month, police commissioner David Manning deployed additional personnel to the area, including 20 Mobile Squad personnel.
“Police from the RPNGC Airborne Tactical Unit and provincial police are hunting down these criminals.
“With each day, the net tightens around these men.” Manning added.
“The vast area around Angoram is waterlogged and swampy but we are tracking them down, one by one.
“Police are now sweeping through the jungle between Kandawamon, Turubu inland and Angoram.
“My direction to deputy police commissioner, regional operations, and the provincial command has been clear to track down these criminals, detain them and leave no rock unturned.
“The surrender of another five offenders shows this response is increasing in tempo, and that there is no place these criminals can hide.”
Baugen said the five were part of a 33-member gang who were allegedly involved in a spate of brutal killings, rape and burning of properties in the Tambari and Agrumara villages.
He said they surrendered to Moim ward councillor yesterday and allegedly admitted that they were part of the “I don’t care” gang, and asked the councillor arrest them.
Baugen, with two Criminal Investigation Division (CID) members from Angoram and one from Wewak, went and arrested them at the border of Mundomundo and Pinang areas near the Angoram Station.
Baugen said police operations would continue for a month until all the suspects were arrested.
Baugen commended community leaders for their efforts in helping police investigations.
Given the remote, swampy location, it will be difficult to manhandle and capture them, but community leaders have given their best, he said.
“More arrests (are expected) in the coming days as police and community leaders are working together and asking families and relatives of the suspects to have them surrender,” Baugen said.
Meanwhile, the victims and survivors are at three care centres in Angoram Station.
There have been no further threats, or attacks, from the gang since.
