Four men have been arrested in Manus in relation to the land dispute killing that took place at Ndrehet village on Saturday, November 18.
Manus police arrested and charged Bart Kakap Soongkop (30), Andrew Ohong (52), Andrew Pohak (62) and Peter Paul (19), all from Ndrehet village, and charged them for the murder of 33-year-old Thomas Soongkombek.
It is alleged they attacked the deceased and hit him on his head with a piece of timber, which caused fracture to his brain and caused his death.
Three other men were also arrested and charged with the unlawful wounding of the deceased’s brother, Alphonse Soongkombek.
Fred Paul (30), Gabriel Sapak Simapui (35) and Tony Sajang (52) were arrested over allegations they used bush knives to cut him on his face and leg after chasing him. He received a serious deep knife wound.
Provincial police commander (PPC), Chief Inspector David Yapu, said they appeared at the Lorengau District Court this week for mention.
He is still appealing on the locals to take up their land issues with appropriate authorities.
Meanwhile, a woman was arrested for selling home brew at Lorengau town’s Boat Shed area.
PPC Yapu said police confiscated eleven 600ml containers of home brew.
He added that homebrew was widespread in the province and wanted collective efforts from the community leaders like ward councilors, committees and village court magistrates, to work with Police and address the issues.
Picture: Temporary Lorengau police station.