By EMMANUEL HONOL GIGMAI
THE TUKUNZIP tribe of Upper Mendi has formally extended a traditional Melanesian apology and respect to the grieving family of the late Constable Noah Biape, who was killed by unknown assailants on January 14, 2025, at Mountain Paia Village in the Upper Mendi area.
In a peace ceremony held on Monday, the tribe presented K70,000 in cash, 19 pigs, and 1 cow to Sergeant Henry Biape, father of the late officer, as a customary act of sorrow and
reconciliation. The ceremony was attended by police personnel, community leaders, and members of the Peace and Good Order Committee.
Speaking at the event, TUKUNZIP tribe leader Mr. Morgan Mendepo emphasized that the
presentation was not a form of compensation, but a deep expression of cultural remorse and respect.
“This will not bring back Constable Noah Biape, but it shows our sorrow and respect,” Mr. Mendepo stated.
The innocent people of Tukunzip have shown their sorrow and grief by
contributing such an amount of money and pig for peace to prevail.
Mr. Mendepo also revealed that the tribe had earlier presented K80,000, 15 pigs, and 1 cow following the death of another police officer from Goroka, bringing their total traditional
offerings this year to K150,000, 34 pigs, and 2 cows.
“This is how we, as Melanesian’s, say sorry and make peace,” he said.
We did this because we the indigenous Tukunzip tribe want to clear our name from
every platform regarding the death of the two police officers from Koroba and
Goroka. If any body want to raise any issues regarding this death, it will not be our concern.
- 𝐀 𝐂𝐚𝐥l 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐚 𝐆𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫
Sergeant Henry Biape, visibly emotional, thanked the TUKUNZIP tribe for their respectful gesture.
“Losing a son is very painful. My son was a public servant — a police officer serving his country. I have been grieving for months,” he said.
“But as a father, a senior officer, and a law-abiding citizen, I choose peace.
Justice must still be done.”
“I accept this apology not as compensation, but as a cultural sign of respect. I thank the TUKUNZIP tribe for their gesture “.
𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞
Acting Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Mr. Philip Kumo, addressed the gathering and gave his assurance that police are actively pursuing the case.
“I will not disclose the details of the investigation at this stage,” he said.
“But I assure the public — we will find the persons responsible and bring them to justice.”
𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐫. 𝐑𝐨𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐏𝐢𝐤𝐮 𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐨 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞’𝐬 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 to apprehend the suspects
“We are ready to support the police and law and order teams in any way
needed. We want justice to be served too,” he said.
Path Toward Reconciliation
The family of the late officer, including Councillor Ben Biriwi and former Pori LLG President James Huriawi, formally accepted the apology and expressed gratitude for the peaceful
and respectful act.
The ceremony highlighted the enduring role of Melanesian customs in fostering reconciliation and peace, even in the face of deep loss and tragedy.