East Sepik Governor Allan Bird has confirmed that 33 individuals involved in the gruesome murders in Kanda, Angoram District, have surrendered to police.
Of these, 25 suspects turned themselves in on Wednesday, August 21st, while 8 had previously been arrested and charged.
Governor Bird provided an update on his official social media platform, stating that police, with the assistance of local leaders, are continuing their investigations.
Despite the recent surrenders, approximately 40 suspects remain at large.
The Governor expressed his confidence in the ongoing efforts to bring all perpetrators to justice.
In a separate incident, 15 people from Lowon village, West Coast Wewak, surrendered to police and local leaders on Sunday.
These individuals were involved in arson and murder, and a cache of guns was also confiscated during the operation.
Governor Bird highlighted the progress made in law enforcement across the province, noting that with 171 arrests in Maprik last week, the total number of individuals arrested and charged for various crimes in East Sepik Province has reached 219 over the past two weeks.
“Work is still ongoing, and we expect more arrests to be made as police manpower focuses their efforts on the hotspots in the province,” said Governor Bird.
He commended the efforts of local police, the special team from Port Moresby, and the local community leaders for their assistance in these operations.
“ESPG commends our local police and the special team from Port Moresby. We also acknowledge and are deeply grateful for the work of local leaders within the various communities for their valuable help.”
Governor Bird further mentioned that a team led by the Provincial Administrator and the Boram Correctional Institution Service (CIS) Commander recently secured approval to install temporary facilities at Boram Prison and begin its relocation to a new site.
“The rule of law must prevail in Sepik before we can do anything else,” Governor Bird emphasized, urging residents to support law enforcement efforts to ensure safety and justice throughout the province.
The Governor assured the public that the East Sepik Provincial Government remains committed to supporting law enforcement agencies in their mission to maintain order and bring all offenders to justice.