Kerema murder suspect arrested

A man allegedly behind the killing of a Hagen man, which had sparked a major commotion along the Hiritano Highway in October, was formally arrested on Thursday.

The suspect was identified as 24-year-old Max Meako from Gulf Province.

Meako was apprehended by Kerema police a week ago and handed over to the Homicide unit.

He was formally arrested on Thursday with 1 count of wilful murder.

Meako had allegedly stabbed and killed the Hagen man in late October in Kerema town because he (deceased) had refused to hand over cash and belongings.

The relatives of the deceased then retaliated and caused chaos along the highway.

A number of 25 seater buses were filled with men from Hagen who attacked innocent people from town and along the highway.

The Central people were threatened to even travel along their own highway.

In an earlier interview in October, a Kerema town local told this newsroom that the accused was a known thug.

It was reported that he had stabbed a couple of people in the Town area but people were afraid to report to police.

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Locals frustrated with buai-related clashes http://www.looppng.com/node/68809

Author: 
Imelda Wavik