The body of the victim has been delivered to Nabire, where his wife and children live.Jayapura (ANTARA News) - Paniai Police in Papua Province detained four people following the death of policeman Brigadier Yohan Kasimatau in Paniai District`s capital city of Enarotali on Tuesday (Aug 21).
Chief of the Paniai Police, Adjunct Senior Commissioner Anthon Diantje, confirmed details about the arrest here Thursday, saying the suspects were being questions since they allegedly had known about the shooting.
"The investigators are trying to get information from them, Diantje. He, however, admitted that it was very difficult to make the suspects talk.
Also, he denied that violence was used during the investigation. If the four suspects were found innocent, they would be released, he stated.
Those arrested included Steven Degei, Matias Kouki, Alosius Degei and Melianus Degei.
Brigadier Yohan Kasimatau was shot dead by rebels while washing a police car at the end of an airstrip at 10.30 am local time on Tuesday. His V2 firearm was stolen before the separatists fled in a speed boat.
The separatist Free Papua Movement Organization (OPM), which is led by Jhon Yogi, is believed to have some 20 firearms of various types, police said.
Police identified the attackers as six members of the Jhon Yogi group. Anthon said the rebels fled with a speed boat after killing Yohan.
The body of the victim has been delivered to Nabire, where his wife and children live, but on Thursday he will be taken to Jayapura to be buried in his hometown.
Anthon said besides the firearms, the group was also believed to have a large amount of ammunition, which enabled its members to engage in a Tuesday gunfight with security officers that lasted from 2 pm until 5 pm local time.
(T.E006/Uu.F001/INE/KR-BSR)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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