A fast police response led to the arrest of a 22-year-old man suspected of fatally stabbing his 20-year-old girlfriend in Gordons, Port Moresby, on Tuesday, October 29, between 8 and 9 a.m.
Acting NCD Metropolitan Superintendent Mazuc Rubiang confirmed the arrest, saying the suspect is now in custody at the Gordons police station for questioning.
According to the police report, the victim, identified as Dorcas Mafu, was from Moveave Village in Malalaua district of Gulf Province.
She died instantly after being stabbed with a kitchen knife in the chest and breast.
The suspect, identified as Issac Kuri, is reportedly from Anda village in the South Wagi District of Jiwaka Province.
Police shared that the two first met at Fatima Vocational School in Jiwaka.
Their relationship was opposed by Dorcas’s family, who eventually brought her back to Port Moresby. Kuri, however, followed her and was reportedly living at Gerehu Stage 6 in the city.
Superintendent Rubiang explained that on the day of the incident, Dorcas had gone with her aunt to Gordons for shopping.
Kuri, upon learning their location, followed them around the Jade Island area.
When Dorcas and her aunt finished shopping and attempted to get into a taxi, Kuri reportedly confronted the aunt at knifepoint, demanding she not enter the cab.
Shocked, the aunt asked another person with them to confirm his identity, and it was confirmed that Kuri was indeed Dorcas’s boyfriend.
The confrontation led Dorcas to assure Kuri they would walk together instead of taking the taxi.
Kuri agreed, and they all began walking toward Sand Piper Street.
However, as they walked, Kuri suddenly pulled Dorcas toward him and stabbed her three times in the chest.
Dorcas collapsed on the spot and died instantly.
Her aunt immediately called out for help, and bystanders quickly apprehended Kuri as he attempted to flee.
Police arrived soon after and took Kuri into custody.
“The matter was reported to the police homicide office, which responded quickly,” Rubiang said in a statement.
“Officers conducted a preliminary investigation and visited the Port Moresby General Hospital.”
“We identified witnesses, and statements were taken.”
“The suspect is now detained and will be charged accordingly.”
Superintendent Rubiang expressed his condolences to Dorcas’s family and urged parents to be aware of their children’s relationships and well-being.
“Parents should have open discussions with their children to understand where and how they are doing,” he advised.
“This can help prevent situations like what happened to the deceased and her boyfriend.”
“I am deeply sorry for this tragedy, and I assure the family of the deceased that the police will ensure the suspect faces the full force of the law.”
Rubiang’s comments highlighted the importance of vigilance and proactive family support to help keep young people safe.
He assured the community that the police would thoroughly investigate the case and ensure justice is served.
Police efforts were praised for their quick response in a tense situation, and Rubiang committed to bringing a sense of safety back to the community following this tragic incident.