​POLICE in Angoram in East Sepik Province have apprehended a man who was involved in injuring two women in 2025 using a wire catapult, an attack that resulted in one female losing her life while seeking medical treatment.
​East Sepik Provincial Police Commander Superintendent Christopher Tamari confirmed that the suspect is now in police custody to be charged accordingly. He said the suspect, identified as Judas Akole from Angoram, was apprehended during a routine drunk patrol at the X-Service Camp in Angoram on Thursday (23/07/26). He said the suspect is currently detained at the police station awaiting formal charges and processing.
​PPC Tamari further added that the suspect has been on the run since he was wanted in connection with the October 25, 2025 incident. He said the incident happened near the Angoram Hospital area, where two young females were shot in the forehead with a wire catapult. He said one of the victims succumbed to her injuries, while the other survived after receiving medical treatment.
​Expressing his appreciation for the collective effort, Superintendent Tamari highlighted the importance of community-police partnership in maintaining law and order.
​”I want to extend my sincere gratitude to the dedicated officers on the ground whose vigilance during patrol led to this arrest, as well as the members of the public who stepped forward with crucial information,” said Superintendent Tamari.
​”The brutal attack on these two young women deeply shocked our community. Violent acts, especially those utilizing dangerous concealed weapons like wire catapults, will not be tolerated. Thanks to the assistance of the community and the alertness of our personnel, a major suspect in a murder and aggravated assault case is now off the streets to face the law,” PPC Tamari added.
​He said police had been monitoring the suspect, which led to his apprehension and is a step forward for the officers. He said when someone harms another person, they need to face the law, and that is exactly what has happened.