Three men have been arrested in connection with the alleged murder of Catholic priest Fr. Moses Gende last Friday in Gembogl, Simbu Province, Papua New Guinea. Simbu police commander Chief Inspector Abeafa Opila confirmed the arrests and stated that the suspects are currently detained at the Kundiawa police station, awaiting formal charges. The incident began when Fr. Gende, the parish priest at Goglme Catholic Mission, accidentally ran over Aka W. Anton, a Church Pastor volunteer, killing him instantly on the Kundiawa-Gembogl road near Gande village. Opila reported that following the accident, approximately four men armed with bush knives attacked Fr. Gende when he returned to the scene to check on Anton. The attackers reportedly slashed Gende with bush knives, severing his head, legs, and hands, and mutilating his lower abdomen. Both Gende, 42, from Kangir village in Gembogl, and Anton died within an hour of each other on the same day.
Opila noted that the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) is still finalizing their investigation and more arrests are anticipated. All suspects will be charged with wilful murder. Kundiawa Catholic Diocese Bishop, Reverend Paul Sundu, expressed deep sorrow over the incident and urged the public not to resort to vigilante justice. "Law and justice must take its course," he said, while awaiting funeral arrangements for Fr. Gende. The bodies of Fr. Gende and Anton are currently at the Mt Hagen Funeral Home. Also read Comments are closed.
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