Wewak Police have been commended for the apprehension of yet another suspect in the killing of late Doctor Alphonse Rongap Snr.
In a statement, Lae metropolitan superintendent, Chief Superintendent Anthony Wagambie Jnr, said David Naia, also known as ‘Flat het’, of Morobe and Manus parentage, was apprehended yesterday at Wewak Wharf.
“He had been wounded by Wewak Police two weeks ago at Koikin after taking part in a robbery,” said Wagambie Jnr.
“It has been reported that one of his gang members was shot dead and another suspect along with David were wounded.
“David Naia had been on the run since the murder of the late doctor. He found it difficult in Lae so moved through Madang and on to East Sepik.
“He was captured with his sister, who had flown over to Wewak after learning that her brother was wounded and admitted in hospital.
“His identity was not known by Wewak Police until they made contact with Lae based Police Intelligence Officers who sent his pictures over, which assisted Wewak police to identify him.
“However, he escaped from hospital while being admitted there and was assisted by his sister to try board the ship when he was apprehended.
“I commend Wewak Police for the job well done.
“We will now make arrangements to have him repatriated back to Lae where he will be charged for wilful murder.
“I expect his sister to be charged by Wewak Police as well.”
Prominent paediatrician Dr Rongap Snr was shot at the Lae back road at around 10pm on June 25th, 2016.
The senior Lae doctor, who allegedly lost his life in an attempted robbery and carjacking, had contributed well over 35 years of his life to the country.
This recent capture brings the number of suspects in the late doctors’ killing to seven.
(Picture of suspect and his sister by Lae metropolitan superintendent)