Four victims allegedly tortured in connection with a Sorcery Accusation-Related Violence (SARV) incident in Wenaiyo village, Karimui Local Level Government (LLG) of Simbu Province, are currently recovering and doing well at Kundiawa General Hospital.

PNG Tribal Foundation President GT Bustin, recently visited the victims at the hospital to check on their progress and treatment. 

He also spoke with the victims, their guardians and relatives, including the widow of the deceased who is a mother along with her seven-year-old daughter.

“The victims are doing well at the hospital. I also met with the police officers handling our cases to check on the status of the investigations and their progress, because the organization has spent a lot of resources supporting this case,” Mr. Bustin said.

The PNG Tribal Foundation will continue to support the victims, police case officers, guardians and relatives who are providing accommodation while police continue their investigations.

It was alleged that on July 12, a violent incident broke out in the village following the death of an elderly man. 

Members of the community allegedly accused the deceased’s family of being responsible for his death through sorcery.

As a result, four men were allegedly held captive and tortured for several days before being rescued by police with support from the PNG Tribal Foundation, Manalos Aviation Limited, and a police helicopter based in Lae, Morobe Province.

15 suspects have been arrested and charged are currently under investigations at the Kundiawa police station.

The four victims were subsequently evacuated to Kundiawa General Hospital, where they are now receiving medical treatment and are recovering.