A police raid was conducted by the members of the Morobe Rural Criminal Investigation Division and Lae based Sector Response Unit at West Taraka targeting a wanted criminal linked to the series of serious criminal offences.
Morobe Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Chief Superintendent, Samson Siguyaru said the serious criminal offences including armed hold-up, manslaughter, and drug-related activities. He said the police operation was conducted on Friday 26th May 2026.
PPC Siguyaru said during the police operations, the suspect from Menyamya origin attempted to evade police arrest by jumping over a fence and fleeing into nearby bushes, but the relatives and members of the community pursued the suspect and allegedly assaulted him using bush knives, causing injuries to his body.
PPC said the police officers have managed to secure the suspect and transported him to the Angau General Hospital where he is currently receiving medical treatment under the police presence.
The suspect will be formally charged for being in possession of illegal drugs while awaiting the police officers from Menyamya Police Station to further investigate him in relation to manslaughter and other outstanding criminal offences.
PPC also confirmed that two accomplices were apprehended during the operation and are currently in police custody awaiting formal charges to be laid against them for being in possession of drugs.
“I commend the police officers from the Morobe Rural Criminal Investigation Division and Lae Based Sector Response Unit for their professionalism, commitment, and coordinated efforts in successfully apprehending the suspect and his accomplices,” PPC Siguyaru Said.
“I also extend my appreciation to the relatives and members of the community for supporting the police officers during the operation.”
PPC Siguyaru said this incident serves as a strong warning to youths and individuals involved in criminal activities to refrain because public is frustrated with ongoing lawlessness and violence within communities and may resort to taking matters into their own hands.
PPC strongly encouraged members of the public to refrain from engaging in illegal activities and instead respect the rule of law to avoid facing serious consequences.