After evading police for nearly three years, a man wanted for multiple armed robberies in Madang has voluntarily surrendered to the authorities just recently. Ethrel Mathew, also known as Scott Bradley Duh, gave himself up at Jomba Police Station on Thursday, May 22. Originally from Numboku Village in Kubalia, East Sepik Province, the 24-year-old was accompanied by family members and community policing officers from Zone 03 under the Madang Urban Local Level Government (MULLG). Madang Provincial Police Commander Acting Superintendent Robert Baim confirmed the arrest and commended those involved in facilitating the surrender. “Mathew has long been identified as a member of the Sisiak 3-based Scorpions 58 gang, which has been linked to several major crimes in town,” said PPC Baim. His arrest follows ongoing dialogue and negotiations between the National Criminal Intelligence Unit (NCIU), the Transnational Crimes Unit, and Mathew’s relatives and community leaders. “This peaceful outcome was only possible because of the cooperation and support of his family and the wider community,” Baim added. Police have formally charged Mathew with two counts of armed robbery in connection to hold-ups at Happy Mart and Double Lion Investment stores last year. The charges fall under Section 386 of the Papua New Guinea Criminal Code Act. He has been released on police bail and is scheduled to appear before the court. According to police, Mathew has no previous criminal convictions. He was residing in the Wabam/Sisiak 3 area with his wife and two children during his time on the run. PPC Baim used the occasion to applaud the example set by Mathew’s family and urged others to consider similar steps for the good of their communities. “With Papua New Guinea nearing its 50th Independence anniversary, this kind of attitude change gives hope for a better future,” he said. “I encourage other families to take the same responsible approach and assist in handing over those who are wanted by police.” The police commander reaffirmed that strong partnerships between law enforcement and local communities are vital in addressing crime and building safer towns.