The destruction and the act of Sorcery Accusation Related Violence (SARV) happened back in year 2023 following the death of a man believed to be linked to sorcery.
The incident occurred on the morning of September 2nd, 2023, when a mob entered the home of an elderly man at 6:00 a.m., allegedly dragged him out, tortured him, causing his children to flee, they burned several houses belonging to his family, and destroyed livestock and food gardens.
The victim was later rescued by locals and taken to Mingendi Rural Hospital in Kerowagi, where he remained admitted for three months.
The PNG Tribal Foundation assisted the survivor by covering his hospital bills, assisting police logistics including fuel and paperwork, and supporting the progression of the case throughout the years.
Later on, a total of eight suspects were arrested and charged with willful murder and arson in relation to the incident.
PNG Tribal Foundation President, GT Bustin stated that the case is one of the many ongoing sorcery accusation-related violence (SARV) cases the Foundation has been supporting.
“This is about ensuring justice is served to those who continue to accuse innocent people and destroy lives and property,” Bustin said.
The suspect, who had already been arrested and charged, failed to appear in court for several months and was in hiding until a bench warrant was issued by the National Court last week, leading to his re-arrest by police recently.
He is currently in police custody and is expected to appear in court soon.
“Tribal Foundation had to fund the re-arrest of several perpetrators who have been let out on bail, including some who were involved in murder on various incidents and should not have been let out on bail in different cases,” Mr. Bustin said.
According to the Foundation’s records, three of the suspects are remanded in Barawagi Prison, while five are out on bail and attending court hearings.
The survivor is currently living with his three children, aged 10, 12, and 27 in Kerowagi, Simbu Province, all thanks to PNG Tribal Foundation.