A church elder in the Rai Coast district of Madang Province was brutally killed by four (4) suspects on Boxing Day at the Bawak village in the Astrolabe Bay Local Level Government (LLG) area.

The victim, Jason Anepo, was walking home after a night church service when he was attacked by the four-armed men who allegedly mistook the victim for someone else that they were after.

Tension rose after the killing with community members demanding the suspects be surrendered. Police intervened and secured the surrender of four suspects at the Ariaga village. The suspects were then taken to Madang and are now locked up at Jomba Police Station.

Police investigations revealed the men were hired to kill a person suspected of practicing sorcery. Due to poor visibility, they attacked the wrong man.

Madang Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Superintendent Robert Baim praised police for acting quickly.

“The quick response prevented further violence and possible loss of life,” Superintendent Baim said.

He confirmed that the suspects will remain in custody and urged the public to respect the law and not engage in any retaliatory attacks.

The body of the late Jason Anepo is at Modilon Hospital Mortuary while police investigations continue.