Youth loses hand in sorcery alleged crime

A youth has lost his left hand over allegations he and two others were involved in sorcery in a village along the north coast of Manus.

This resulted in the arrest of two others from the same village, who are now in police custody.

The prime suspect, Simon Pokoi (30) of Warambei village, in the Lelemadih Bupi Chupei LLG, was arrested and charged for causing grievous bodily harm.

The victim of the sorcery accusation related violence, Jeffery Pominis, had his left hand chopped off with a bush knife.

Manus provincial police commander, Chief Inspector David Yapu, said Pominis was chased and attacked by villagers of Warambei.

He is now warning people not to take the law into their own hands when there are other avenues to deal with such matters, like village court.

He said sorcery-related cases are complex cases to prove in court therefore the sorcery act is under review.

Meanwhile, PPC Yapu’s warning to people travelling by boat to sell betelnut in Manus remains due to the rough seas and strong wind warning issued by the National Weather Service.

He said his officers will use the small craft act to deal with boat operators or owners who do not listen to warnings from authorities.

Author: 
Sally Pokiton