Asian expats butchered in Pom

Caption: Mr Bawa speaking at the conference.

Caption: Forensics at the Shop where the killings took place.

By MATTHEW VARI

Wednesday, June 26, 2013 (Midweek Chronicle, PNG) 

Four expatriates, of Asian origin, were brutally murdered in their shoparound 9pm, Monday night, in Port Moresby.

Unknown suspects broke into Poomo Industry Limited, a bakery shop located in Koki, just before the market.

The suspects attacked the shop owner, his wife, and two other male relatives- all in their mid-50 from China. They all received numerous fatal cut wounds from the assailants, killing them instantly.

After killing the victims- the suspects then made off with an unconfirmed amount of money,believed to be substantial.

At a media conference yesterday- Metropolitan Superintendent, Andy Bawa, confirmed the killing as inhumane and barbaric in nature.

He stated that police units attended the scene and discovered the victims all dead in the premises.

They retrieved the bodies of the victims and took them to the Port Moresby General Hospital, and later moved them to the Dove Funeral Home.

“We are calling on the community in Koki, Badili, Wanigela, and nearby areas to assist police with our investigation to apprehend these suspects,” he said.

He emphasised that the suspects “are very dangerous and are out in the community, and pose a risk of danger to every citizen."  

He added that members of the communities mentioned must not to tolerate such threats, and must get rid of them quickly.

“We will ensure that all resource are utilised to track down these perpetrators and bring them to justice. No stone will be left unturned as we investigate this ruthless killing.”

“We would like to assure the families and friends of the deceased that the police will do its best to bring the suspects to justice.”

When asked about how the perpetrators could have entered the heavily fenced perimeter. Mr Bawa couldn’t rule out or confirm the possibility of an inside job, or any gangland affiliations to the case.

All eight employees (all nationals) are being questioned by the CID (Criminal Investigation Division) branch in Boroko.

Referring to past instances of murder cases involving Asians- Mr Bawa said the incident was more than what they have dealt with in the past, considering the number of victims.

Particulars for the victims would not be released, as the investigation is premature at this stage.