Police Commissioner, David Manning, said a long manhunt for a wanted individual involved in a series of criminal activities within the Mt Bosavi area bordering Hela, Southern Highlands, and Western provinces, has ended with his arrest in Tari, Hela Province.
The suspect, identified as Max Malipe Pyakola, has been a person of interest due to his alleged involvement in various criminal activities.
“Among the alleged crimes committed by the individual are the armed robbery of K100,000 in cash, the killing of a Chinese national, and multiple cases of rape at the Kamusi logging camp and surrounding villages in the Delta Fly region since 2019,” the Commissioner said.
“Recently, the arrested man was also allegedly involved in the kidnapping of 17 girls in the Mt Bosavi area.”
Commissioner Manning said the Police and PNG Defence Force personnel, acting on intelligence reports from the community, tracked down Pyakola at the Komon Market in Tari, Hela province on Friday, July 12.
“He was arrested and a homemade pistol and 5.56 ammunition confiscated.
“Following the arrest, Pyakola was transported to Port Moresby and is currently detained at the Boroko metro cells.”
Whilst acknowledging the efforts of the security forces, Police Commissioner Manning noted the ongoing challenges posed to policing in remote areas and commended the professional work of security force personnel.
“Despite these obstacles, the Constabulary, in collaboration with sister forces, remains dedicated to their duty and they will prevail.
“The Constabulary is proactively modernising our approaches, leveraging smart technologies, and adopting new ways in enhancing the delivery of police services.
“As the investigation continues, this arrest will bring a sense of relief to the affected communities in the affected areas. At the same time we are sending a strong message to the criminals and those who aid, abet and benefit from them, that they will be caught and dealt with, sooner or later by whatever force is deemed necessary.”