Four suspects were arrested and charged for the wilful murder of a 45-year-old female from Kaulenge village, Imbonggu district in the Southern Highlands Province.
The Southern Highlands Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Chief Inspector Daniel Yangen said the suspects were informed of their Constitutional rights under section 42(2) of the PNG Constitution and placed in the police cell in Mendi.
Mr Yangen said the suspects were identified as Constable Mai Pale, age 33 (husband), and three teenage male all from Koroba in the Hela Province.
It was alleged that on 14th of March, 2022 at around 8.30pm the suspect (husband) of the deceased (named) had an argument with her in their house at the Kaupena Highway Patrol 17 base police Barracks in Imbonggu, Southern Highlands Province.
Mr Yangen said during the argument the suspect and the deceased came out of their house where the suspect allegedly kicked his wife on her right ribs. The deceased then fell unconscious to the ground and the defendant allegedly picked up a stone and hit the deceased on the left side of her head.
Mr Yangen said the three other suspects then allegedly also kicked the deceased all over her body whilst she was lying on the ground unconscious.
Mr Yangen said the relatives of the deceased intervened but the suspects allegedly threatened them with a bush knife and kitchen knives.
The suspects then left the crime scene. The relatives of the deceased took her to the Kaupena Health Centre the next day. She was then referred to the Mt Hagen General Hospital for further treatment but died at the Hospital.
Picture: PPC Daniel YANGEN FB page