Chief Inspector David Yapu

Man speared over betelnut theft claims

Police say the Manus man was killed after he was speared in his left chest.

The killing took place last Friday at Bundrahei village, Pobuma LLG, in the south coast of Manus.

The deceased, Allan Damien, was from Likum village, also in the same LLG.

Manus provincial police commander, Chief Inspector David Yapu, says his officers were deployed to monitor the area due to the tense situation.

“The incident occurred over theft of betelnut in the betelnut block,” he says.

A suspect has been apprehended and is in custody pending further investigation.

33yo dies in land related dispute

Manus provincial police commander, Chief Inspector David Yapu, said a group of men attacked the deceased, Thomas Soongkombek, on Saturday (November 18) with a piece of timber and hit him on his forehead.

The fight took place at Ndrehet village in PNKA LLG, Lorengau between 1pm and 2pm.

“The deceased sustained a fracture to his brain. He was transported to Bundralis Health Centre but died upon arrival.

“His body was transported by boat to Manus Provincial Hospital and place in morgue for autopsy,” he said.

Police confirm refugee’s suicide

The deceased was identified as 33-year-old Rajeev Rajendran, from Tamil in Sri Lanka.

Manus Provincial Police Commander, Chief Inspector David Yapu, said the deceased was admitted at the hospital and was receiving treatment for self-inflicted wounds when he hung himself between the hours of 2am and 4am on Monday.

He was in hospital after he attempted to kill himself by using a razor blade to cut his throat.

Whilst admitted, he hung himself in the laundry building of the hospital.

A forensic team from Port Moresby attended to the scene and retrieved his body.

PPC Manus commends security personnel

He said the mobile squad on Quick Response Force will remain in the province till the end of the month while other security personnel have been stood down from the election security operations.

PPC Yapu revealed that all polling allowances have been paid, however, their only issue is the counting allowances.

The security personnel’s allowance issue was taken up with the police headquarters and also with Police Commissioner Gari Baki whilst he was in Manus to observe the election.

​Manus polls wind down

Manus Election Manager Sponsa Navi told Loop PNG this morning that polling for all other LLGs have been completed.

Polling in the remaining ward in Pobuma LLG is currently in progress today while Balopa LLG completd polling yesterday. These two LLGs are the last for polling.

Ballot papers of other LLGs are now being transported back to Lorengau.

His team conducted polling at Whal Island this morning and will proceed to Mbuke Island afterwards.

Suspected impersonator arrested in Manus

Manus Provincial Police Commander, Chief Inspector David Yapu, said Thomas Kaleh, 52 years, of Patlok village, Kari, PNKA LLG, was arrested and charged for impersonation, by trying to use another person’s name to cast his vote.

His arrest followed complaints from scrutineers at the polling booths. Reports were then made by polling officials and security personnel, which led to his arrest.

He remains at the Lorengau Police Station.

From this arrest, PPC Yapu is now warning all voters to be honest by using their correct names to vote.

PPC: Take ownership of election

Yapu said people should be allowed to exercise their democratic rights to cast their votes without undue influence, threat or fear.

He is asking for the continuous support and corporation from the people in ensuring a free, fair and safe election is conducted in the province without any disruption.

He said the campaign period which ends today has been quiet and peaceful so far and wants this to continue into polling and counting.

Election Officials off to Western Manus

Manus Election Manager, Sponsa Navi, confirms there will be a total of 105 Election officials and 12 Assistant Returning Officers sent out for each of the 12 LLGs.

10 officials with six security personnel will also make the one day trip to the islands of Western Manus on the HMPNG Tarangau Patrol Boat today.

The remaining teams for the other 10 LLGs will be dispatched to their allocated venues starting tomorrow (Friday).

Awa-Wuvulu Rural LLG has seven polling venues which will see one day polling in each venue from Saturday June 24 to Thursday June 29th.

​Another officer arrested over alleged funds misuse

Project coordinator of the Manus Provincial Government, Simon Pondrilei, was arrested last week Thursday, June 1, and charged with Abuse of Public Office and Official Corruption.

Pondrilei, who is 61 years old, is from Tilienu village, Rambutso, Rapatona LLG, Lorengau, Manus.

He was arrested and charged by the Port Moresby Fraud Squad team in Manus following investigations.

Manus Police Provincial Police Commander, Chief Inspector David Yapu, said he was later released on K1000 bail and he is to appear in the Lorengau District Court today.

Manus police call for peaceful campaigns

Manus Provincial Police Commander, Chief Inspector David Yapu, said campaigns should be conducted without threats, intimidation or any form of violence.

He said police will come down hard on those who use violence during the campaign period.

PPC Yapu made the appeal after there were reports of a gunshot being heard during an election campaign in one of the villages on the mainland.

He said police are now investigating the incident, which took place at Kapou village, in the Penabu Nalisopat LLG.

A complete report will be made soon.