TWENTY-SEVEN men who were arrested and charged in Morobe over the Sambio massacre have appeared before the Bulolo District Court for their first court hearing on Monday 13th July.
Morobe Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Samson Siguyaru said the 27 accused were arrested and charged for the brutal killing of 12 men in April.
Their appearance in court marks the completion of a joint police investigation that was conducted as a law enforcement operation.
PPC Siguyaru said the 25 men were charged with 12 counts of Willful Murder and the other five were charged with two counts of arson.
“All twenty-seven accused persons had appeared before the Bulolo District Court on Monday, July 13, and they were issued Warrants of Remand. They were then transported to Buimo on Tuesday for detention pending further court proceedings,” Siguyaru said.
The court heard that on April 26th between 7 O’clock and 11 O’clock, a violent confrontation erupted between members of the Bendum family and residents of the Dusty Community and surrounding areas of Sambio Village.
The violent confrontation resulted in the killing of 12 men and torching of six houses. This caused damages to properties and widespread trauma inflicted upon the local community.
It is understood the confrontation started from arguments over alluvial mining permits and land ownership issues in the Sambio.
Siguyaru said due to the brutality of the case, a special investigation team was established and comprised of police officers from Morobe and the National Capital District, that led to the successful apprehension, arrest and detention of the accused.
The joint police operation also seized four factory-manufactured firearms and a modified .303 caliber rifle fitted with a telescopic sight.
All 27 accused have been transferred from police custody to the Correctional Service with Warrants of Remand and will wait for their next court date hearing. Siguyaru said police in Morobe are satisfied with the outcome of the joint operation and thankful for the support from the police team from Port Moresby.
“The successful completion of this investigation demonstrates the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that those responsible for serious criminal offence are brought to justice, regardless of the scale or complexity of the case,” Siguyaru said.
