Manus Police

Pregnant Woman Killed In Accident

Manus provincial police commander, Chief Inspector David Yapu, said the woman and her husband were walking home at around 8pm when a vehicle hit them and threw them into the roadside bushes.

They were transported to the Lorengau General Hospital but the woman died upon arrival.

"The driver of the vehicle was arrested and is in police custody. He was charged with two counts of dangerous driving causing death and grievous bodily harm,” said PPC Yapu.

The driver was identified as a 36-year-old civil engineer. He will appear in court soon.

Missing Person Case Elevated To Murder

Provincial Police Commander, Chief Inspector David Yapu, said 42-year-old Steven Chauka, from Mouk Baluan Island in Balopa LLG, was travelling on a boat with three other people. Along the way, they were drinking alcohol when a fight broke out. Police believe Chauka was thrown overboard during the commotion.

“An attempt to rescue him failed and the strong current swept him away,” said the PPC. “A search party was mounted for several days but his body was not recovered.”

Arrested For Solar Panel Theft

The solar panels were for the town’s street lights.

Provincial Police Commander, Chief Inspector David Yapu, said one of the boys scaled the pole and removed two solar panels on December 25, 2021.

The incident was reported to police and the panels were retrieved by the ward councilor of Ward 3 Lorengau town, and handed to police.

The duo, aged between 15 and 17, from Manus and East Sepik, were arrested, charged and locked up.

Both will appear in the Lorengau children’s court soon.

Heed Bad Weather Warnings: Police

Provincial police commander, chief inspector David Yapu, highlighted his concern to 17 boat operators and crews during a boat race at Mbunai village on Thursday, January 20th.

He said many lives have been lost at sea because of the ignorance of boat operators and crews.

“Safety comes first before people travel out at sea,” said the PPC.

He appealed to all boat owners and operators to work together to avoid boating mishaps.

Policeman Arrested For Stealing

Provincial Police Commander, Chief Inspector David Yapu, said the 31-year-old first constable was charged with stealing from the complainant, who was initially arrested for domestic violence.

“His waist bag containing K460 was given to the policeman to look after,” said PPC Yapu.

After being released, an empty waist bag was returned to the complainant.

The complainant reported the matter to police, whereby PPC Yapu directed for an investigation which led to the arrest of the officer.

Young Man Passes, Friends Detained

Manus police reported that the deceased was drinking with his friends at Derembat village, PNKA LLG, when fighting broke out.

“The suspects assaulted the deceased and he sustained head injuries and was taken to the Lorengau Provincial Hospital,” said provincial police commander, David Yapu.

“He was admitted in the hospital for two weeks but died on December 24th, 2021.”

In another incident, a young man on Bipi Island died after being cut on his leg with a bush knife.

Manus Robbery Suspect Detained

Provincial police commander, David Yapu, said his officers conducted a dawn raid during New Year and apprehended the suspect at Palo’s Hill at ward 5.

The suspect is of Manus and New Ireland heritage.

He was recently involved in a robbery at City Pharmacy.

The suspect is in custody and will be dealt with by Criminal Investigation Division members.

22yo arrested with weapon

The suspect was identified as Rayson Tommy, of Manus and East New Britain descent.

Provincial police commander, chief inspector David Yapu, said the youth was terrorising the community at Lorengau town with the weapon.

“The community reported the incident to police, who quickly responded and arrested the suspect,” stated PPC Yapu. 

“He has been charged and will appear in court this week.”

Yapu said the homemade staple gun was usually held by youths for holdup in town. 

Manus escapee recaptured during raid

Provincial Police Commander, chief inspector David Yapu, said the escapee was terrorising people at the village when they reported the matter to police.

The escapee, Carol Ndreyeh, aged 21 of Lowa village, was serving 17 years at CS for murder when he escaped early this year.

The PPC thanked the team for a job well done.

Meantime, PPC Yapu said police are continuing with their festive operations in the province.

He appealed to residents to behave and celebrate Christmas and New Year peacefully.

Manus Police Prep For Festive Period

The operation will conclude on January 5th, 2022.

Manus Provincial Police Commander, Chief Inspector David Yapu, said with the limited manpower and resources they have, they will go into full force to ensure the people celebrate the festive season peacefully.

He said they will set up roadblocks at strategic locations to check drivers’ licences and vehicles to ensure they are registered, insured and roadworthy.

They will also arrest drunk drivers.

The police will also execute national court bench warrants and look for escapees.