Grade 11 student charged with murder

Southern Highlands Provincial Police Commander Chief Supt Martin Lakari

A grade 11 student at Nipa Secondary School was arrested and charged by police with the murder of a primary school teacher earlier this year.

Southern Highlands Provincial Police Commander Chief Supt Martin Lakari said the 20 year old suspect had been on the run after allegedly killing Jeffery Nonea on Feb 5.

The suspect and Nonea, both are from Herep village in Nipa-Kutubu.

The suspect was under the influence of alcohol when he assaulted Nonea, then picked up a bush knife and chopped him at about 9am.

Nonea’s relatives rushed him to the hospital but he died from loss of blood on arrival.

Chief Supt Martin Lakari, Southern Highlands Provincial Police Commander

Nipa Police Station Commander Chief Sgt David Ongol conducted a successful operation last Wednesday and picked up the suspect in his hideout.

Since the murder, police had been hunting him. He forgot that one day the long arm of the law would nab him.

Chief Supt Lakari

Chief Supt Lakari said without any conflict or issue, the suspect assaulted and slashed the teacher to death.

This student did not consider his education or future. He is now in lockup. The young today do not seem to have second thoughts about their future or family.

The suspect made a decision to live this way.

Chief Supt Lakari

Chief Supt Lakari said the teacher was a public servant and he should have been respected but instead, he lost his life.

He said there are many such murders but the public should not try to hide or protect such people.