Media statement
A 62-year-old man, Aiwa Ape of Bogspsivillage North Waghi, Banz in Jiwaka Province, who had gone missing since October 3rd, has been found dead at Brown River, according to police.
Central Provincial Police Commander Acting Superintendent Joseph Salle, who was informed by family members, confirmed that Ape left his family home on October 3rd and had not returned since then.
He stated that the reason behind his death is now under investigation, with five suspects being apprehended and detained in police custody.
PPC Salle and his officers were notified through a Facebook post that included a photo of the late Ape standing in front of his vehicle before he went missing. He mentioned that the vehicle was recovered in Mekeo, which later led the police to identify the person who drove to Mekeo. PPC Salle said he was the person the Berina Police picked up yesterday, who led them to the location where the late Ape was murdered.
“We had spoken to the family of the deceased, who accompanied us to the location where we retrieved the body and took it to Port Moresby. The five suspects are now in police custody, where they will be investigated and charged accordingly. It was an unfortunate situation for the man, who, though he will return to his family, did not make it since the day he went missing. We will work closely with the family to ensure that those involved face the full force of the law, PPC Salle said.
PPC Salle also thanked his police officers from Berina, Laloki, and all the operational units from Central, as well as the forensic team, who worked together to retrieve the body and bring it to Port Moresby with the relatives.
End.
