11 Aug 2017

Ousted PNG MP charged with wilful murder

From , 3:03 pm on 11 August 2017

An ousted MP in Papua New Guinea's Chimbu Province has been charged with wilful murder and inciting violence in election-related unrest.

Tobias Kulang has lost his seat in Kundiawa-Gembogl electorate since violence broke out there two weeks ago due to a ballot dispute in the late stages of the vote count.

Mr Kulang and his supporters were centrally involved in the violence in Kundiawa town which left at least two people dead.

The politician, who stood with the ruling People's National Congress party, was arrested and taken into custody in neighbouring Eastern Highlands province.

This was for his own safety, according to the Eastern Highlands provincial police commander Alex N'Drasal, who spoke with Johnny Blades.

Papua New Guinea police.

Papua New Guinea police. Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades