Murder suspect surrenders to police in Wapenamanda

A man accused of killing a final-year law student attending the University of PNG on 31st of December 2025 voluntarily surrendered to police in Wapenamanda on Tuesday.

He is amongst the six people who allegedly killed the student. The five are still on the run.

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Acting Commissioner of Police Samson Kua said the suspect whose identify is being withheld is now in police custody in Wabag facing a murder charge.

ACP Kia said police will allege in court that late Aitawe Nap, 26, of the Paliu Tribe of Pipi village in Wabag was traveling in a Land Cruiser utility when he was ambushed and killed by tribesmen involved in a fight in Wapenamanda district of Enga.

Acting Commissioner Kua said when the government funded increased security operations in Wapenamanda late last year, 6 suspects were immediately identified, and the community and tribal leaders were told to voluntarily hand over the suspects.

“The acting PPC Enga Chief Inspector Kelly Sombe and his team relentlessly pursed this matter resulting in yesterday’s unconditional surrender of a suspect linked to this brutal murder incident.” Mr. Kua said in a statement.

The Police Chief appealed to the leaders of the Yakuman and Miok tribes to round up and hand over the remaining 5 suspects to police so they can face the law.

He said police will work with the leaders until the remaining suspects are arrested and charged for their crimes.

Police investigations into Nap’s death are continuing.

ATHURSON Olua
ATHURSON Oluahttp://www.thepngsun.com
He holds a Bachelor of Art Degree majoring in Theatre Arts while minoring in Journalism/Public Relations from the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG).

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