POLICE Commissioner David Manning has directed that eight suspects previously arrested in connection with the brutal torture and murder of a woman in Margarima District, Hela Province, be re-arrested and face prosecution.
The order follows a recent court ruling which ordered the suspects to be released from custody.
Mr Manning said police would use their powers re-arrest suspects.
“While I respect the court ruling that saw the men released, in this instance Police will exercise their authority at law to re-arrest and charge the accused responsible for this disgraceful offending,” he said.
“The eight arrested were held while they were being processed and charges being formalized. This is a complex case and despite video footage circulated on social media, witness statements and corroborative investigations must be conducted to ensure that arrests result in successful prosecutions.”
Mr Manning also condemned members of the community who were obstructing police efforts and allegedly harboring other suspects involved in the crime.
“This is an absolutely disgusting crime and now her friends and fellow villagers are trying to hide the men who tortured and then murdered this woman.
“This level of depravity sickens me. Anyone hiding these animals or obstructing police investigations will be subject to arrest.
“It is sad to see the communities of Magarima district fail to support police investigations into this matter. I make a final call for the community leaders in the village where the victim came from to give up the additional suspects, provide statements, and support police investigations.
“The woman they tortured and killed was your daughter, and anyone who hides these animals will be treated as a co-offender, arrested, and face serious prison time,” he said.