A man from the East Sepik province was arrested and charged by police in the Central province for possession of an offensive weapon.
The 25-year-old man who resides in Edai Town outside of Port Moresby city was arrested by police on Monday 12th May for having in his possession a wire catapult, a weapon with the capability of injuring and evening killing another human being.
Central Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Chief Inspector Joseph Salle confirmed that the man initially assaulted his wife on Saturday while under the influence of liquor. He said the matter was reported to the police, who responded and apprehended him yesterday.
PPC Salle said that during his apprehension, based on the complaint lodged, it was discovered that the man had in his possession the offensive weapon.
“He was charged accordingly with three charges that include domestic violence, insulting words, and possession of an offensive weapon. He is now detained at Boroko Police Station,” PPC Salle said.
PPC Salle said there are reports of people in possession of such weapons and the police in Central are closely monitoring that to ensure those using them are arrested and charged. He stated that, according to records, the wire catapult is very dangerous.
“I am from East Sepik, and I do not tolerate such behavior in my command. The number of wire catapult victims at Boram Hospital in East Sepik has increased in the past, and I do not want that in Port Moresby or Central Province,” stated the PPC.
“I want to thank my officers for the arrests made, and we will continue to arrest more if we receive information about people having such weapons in their possession.”
He said the suspect is now detained at the Boroko Metropolitan Cell and will appear in court when his court files are ready.