A GROUP of suspects are currently in police custody in Gulf Province following the brutal killing of four elderly men who were accused of sorcery at Veraibari village, East Kikori.
According to Gulf Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Chief Inspector Jefferey Lemb, the 17 suspects were arrested by Kikori police in connection with the May 2025 incident and are now awaiting formal charges before being transported to the Kerema Police Station.
The incident occurred on May 25 when the four elderly men were accused by their community of causing the deaths of 15 people through sorcery. The victims were brought in for questioning by relatives and community members, who later allegedly attacked and killed them with bush knives.
PPC Lemb said: “The suspects were arrested following the murder of four elderly men whom the community of Veraibari suspected them of practicing sorcery and killing 15 people in the Veraibari village, East Kikori, Kikori District in Gulf province.”
He confirmed the suspects, aged between 25 and 51, are believed to be relatives of the four elderly men.
“Police went into the Veraibari village and communicated with the community leaders and brought in the suspects. All suspects including the community leaders were transported to the Kikori police station on six police dinghies,” PPC Lemb said.
“One forensic officer and two Criminal Investigation Division (CID) personnel are already on ground processing the 17 suspects before they are brought to the Kerema police station. More suspects are expected to be arrested soon as well.
“I will be seeking assistance from the Police Headquarters to move all suspects and escort party by air to Kerema due to bad weather season and very rough violent waters between Kikori and Kerema.”
PPC Lemb acknowledged the growing concern over sorcery-related violence across the country and reaffirmed police commitment to tackling the issue.
“The police throughout the Papua New Guinea are well aware of the escalating situation on sorcery-related killings and they are doing their best to arrest the suspects with whatever resources they have.” PPC Lemb commended the community leaders for their cooperation in assisting in bringing the suspects to the Kikori police station.