“The bodies of the married couple were taken to Dekai Regional Hospital and will be handed over to their families for burial,” Yahukimo Police Chief Adjunct Senior Commissioner Zet Saalino said.
The evacuation was hampered by strong currents in the Brazza River, which rescuers had to cross to reach the site, Saalino said.
The team will resume its search Friday, July 24, to evacuate the third victim, a woman, he said, adding that the victims were local residents who had been panning for gold near Seradala.
“Although we have repeatedly urged civilians not to pan for gold, some residents continue to search for and pan for gold,” he said.
An armed criminal group led by Kopitua Heluka had claimed responsibility for Monday's shooting of three civilians near the Trans-Papua Highway in Seradala Subdistrict.
Related news: US Embassy assists repatriation of pilot's body to Jakarta
Related news: Task force confirms Bakusip group behind killing of US pilot in Papua
Translator: Bayu Prasetyo
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2026
