Port Moresby (The National) .TWO former employees have appeared in court yesterday in connection with the death of four Chinese nationals in Port Moresby two weeks ago, police said.
Keith Lasi Aira, 19, and Eric Naks Lako, 18, were charged in Port Moresby last Saturday and appeared before the commital court for mention.
They were arrested in their village at Ihu, Gulf, last Thursday by Port Moresby police acting on a tip-off from the men’s relatives.
Detectives from Port Moresby travelled to Kerema before boarding a boat to Ihu where they arrested the two men.
“The two men have been arrested and charged with wilful murder,” NCD/Central divisional commander Jim Andrews said.
“They were each charged with four counts of wilful murder and appeared before the committal court for mention yesterday.”
Andrews said both men were former employees of Poomo Trading.
“I would like to commend the efforts of the local leaders of the village for assisting police and handing over the suspects,”he said.
“This kind of co-operation is a good example that other communities and people must see and follow to help police with information in investigations they are involved in.
“It is vital in helping to maintain law and order in the country.”
Andrews confirmed eight employees of the store were still in custody for questioning.
Deputy Police Commissioner, operations, Simon Kauba also commended the villagers, particularly the Kaivukoro village court officials, for co-operating with police in their investigaions.
He urged people with any information on the killings to contact the Boroko police station homicide detectives on 3244200.
Keith Lasi Aira, 19, and Eric Naks Lako, 18, were charged in Port Moresby last Saturday and appeared before the commital court for mention.
They were arrested in their village at Ihu, Gulf, last Thursday by Port Moresby police acting on a tip-off from the men’s relatives.
Detectives from Port Moresby travelled to Kerema before boarding a boat to Ihu where they arrested the two men.
“The two men have been arrested and charged with wilful murder,” NCD/Central divisional commander Jim Andrews said.
“They were each charged with four counts of wilful murder and appeared before the committal court for mention yesterday.”
Andrews said both men were former employees of Poomo Trading.
“I would like to commend the efforts of the local leaders of the village for assisting police and handing over the suspects,”he said.
“This kind of co-operation is a good example that other communities and people must see and follow to help police with information in investigations they are involved in.
“It is vital in helping to maintain law and order in the country.”
Andrews confirmed eight employees of the store were still in custody for questioning.
Deputy Police Commissioner, operations, Simon Kauba also commended the villagers, particularly the Kaivukoro village court officials, for co-operating with police in their investigaions.
He urged people with any information on the killings to contact the Boroko police station homicide detectives on 3244200.