Over 160 men have been sentenced to prison for their involvement in the August 6th riots in Maprik, East Sepik Province.
On Friday, August 9th, 165 men have been sentenced to three years in prison, and three juveniles to one year, by a Grade 5 court magistrate, according to an update from East Sepik Governor Allan Bird.
Police had arrested 189 male suspects.
He said police are continuing their investigations and will pursue additional suspects.
“The riots in Maprik took police focus away from Angoram and now Police are back in Angoram to pursue the perpetrators of the Kanda atrocities,” Bird said.
“Investigations are progressing in the crime hotspot on the West coast and as soon as the Kanda suspects are apprehended.”
“Police will move to the other trouble spots in the province including West Coast, Yangoru Saussia and Wosera Gawi.”
“The ESPG is very appreciative of the work of the police and the magistrates thus far.”
“We commend everyone involved.”
“We look forward to more perpetrators being arrested and brought to justice over the coming weeks.”
“We assure the people of Sepik that we remain fully committed to supporting our law enforcement agencies so that we can secure a safer environment for our people.”
Governor Bird also highlighted that police are now focusing on Angoram to address recent crimes and will soon tackle other trouble spots in the province.