I can announce that nine men have been arrested in connection with the tragic and horrific rape and murder of the Late Ms. Margaret Gabriel that occurred on 15 February 2025.
The nine individuals were apprehended on 27 February and have undergone forensic procedures, including fingerprinting and DNA testing. This brings the total number of arrests in this case to twelve, including the three men who were previously taken into custody.
I would like to extend my gratitude to the Australian Federal Police forensics personnel, who traveled from Canberra to provide specialist advisory support to the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) in investigating this crime that has sickened the nation.
With the support of our policing partners, RPNGC Forensics personnel continue to deploy modern forensic tools in our fight against crime. DNA evidence and fingerprints are conclusive forensic evidence that provide irrefutable proof to ensure convictions in a court of law.
The use of modern DNA and fingerprint technologies is increasingly being implemented by RPNGC investigators, helping us to apprehend more criminals who commit such depraved acts against innocent people.
The integration of these advanced investigative techniques into our investigations is strengthening the cases presented before the court and improving the safety of our community.
The RPNGC continues to invest in modern investigative techniques and tools to turn the tide against criminals and support our frontline officers in removing offenders from our streets.
Once again, I offer my deepest condolences to the family of the Late Ms. Gabriel. Police are working around the clock to deliver justice for her family.
Additional information on the progress of this investigation will be released as it becomes available.
David Manning, MBE, DPS, O.St.J, QPMCommissioner of Police
Police HeadquartersEmail: media@police.gov.pg