Sorcery

United Nations Resident Coordinator Dirk Wagener said Sorcery Accusation-Related Violence (SARV) must be investigated and prosecuted consistent with the law.

“Those found responsible must be held accountable. This recent event once again highlights the continuing challenge of addressing sorcery accusation-related violence in Papua New Guinea.

“Those acting as glasman or glasmeri must be held responsible for the accusations that lead to these behaviors and crimes,” said Mr. Wagener.

Seven-year-old Angelyn was dropped off at a Bukapena Health Centre by someone related to the people looking after her. She was quickly transported to Mt. Hagen General Hospital where it was discovered that Angelyn had multiple fractures to both hands and feet and to other bones in her body including her collarbone and her left femur, one of the most difficult bones in the body to break.

Husband of the victim, Mathias Siba, told a District Court sitting at Bomana today that she has been discharged from hospital but is still unable to walk.

Margaret Siba, in her 60s, requires aid from her family members to move around in the house, including going to the toilet.

She was released from the Port Moresby General Hospital last Wednesday and now resides at Morata One with her son.

The two women are from Marawaka in Eastern Highlands Province.

The Waigani Committal Court is still not satisfied that the safety of the victim, Margaret Siba, from Chimbu, will be guaranteed if the defendants are let out on bail.

Almen Sana, Pangume Jethro, Morris Alla, Jennet Alla, Nancy Allan, Mani Koi, Kenneth Philip and Iso Birame all returned before Deputy Chief Magistrate, Dessie Magaru today.

Early this week they asked the court for bail, which was refused after the court expressed concerns of the safety of the victim if the defendants are released on bail.

Churches from all denominations have raised their hands to unite and fight against sorcery related accusations, violence and deaths.

Evangelical, Pentecostal and mainstream Churches have stepped up to form a united front to combat sorcery and sorcery related accusations, violence and deaths.

Chairman of Body of Christ, Pastor Joseph Walters says sorcery is a spiritual belief; therefore it must be addressed spiritually.

These pastors are currently in a press conference today in Port Moresby, spelling out the roots of this evil practice and how churches can fight it.

Chairman of Body of Christ, Pastor Joseph Walters says sorcery is a spiritual belief, therefore it must be addressed spiritually.

All pastors are adamant to form a united front to go into spiritual warfare to fight the practice of sorcery and sorcery related accusations and violence.

Non-Government Organisations have identified these as vital tools to addressing this issue.

Department for Community Development and Religion confirmed they have funding to cater for this and anticipate increasing the level of awareness nationwide.

The Department’s acting deputy secretary, Jerry Ubase, said the Department is now focused on rolling out more awareness programs this year, thanks to the K10 million budgeted for awareness programs.

NCD Taskforce Commander, Mark Mosinakave, says they have a witness willing to go on record and will move forward to apprehend suspects as soon as they verify all information given in.

Mosinakave says his unit will be moving in to bring in the suspects and hold them on attempted murder charges.

Meantime, NCD metropolitan police commander, Perou N'Dranou, has condemned the attack and said that such practices have no place in the city.

"These people are just ignorant bullies preying on the weak," says N’Dranou.

The woman was tortured in Port Moresby over sorcery allegations.

Governor Parkop said it is embarrassing that this behaviour is occurring in the city.

He said some city residents are still backward in their thinking and should lose their right or freedom to live in the city.

When contacted, Governor Parkop said he was reaching his limit in tolerance to these type of behaviour, and will start considering tough measures against such people.

He was happy police intervened but wants the perpetrators arrested and charged.

Duran Farm Housing Project general manager, John Kume, said such practises have happened several times.

The torture of the elderly woman took place on development land earmarked for the Duran Farm Housing Project.

Known as portion 528, the area has been occupied by settlers from various ethnicities.

Kume, who was at the scene of the incident, said it was shocking that such a practise was happening in the city.