CRIMINAL CHARGES ARE PERSONAL LIABILITY

Approved for release: 

Hon. Dr. Billy, M, Joseph, MP

Minister for Defence  

Port Moresby

 Tuesday 25th March 2025 

The Minister for Defence Hon. Dr. Billy Joseph, MP, has commended the efforts of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary for capturing the suspect in the murder of Late Ms Lina Numbalihi. 

“Firstly, PNGDF was cooperating and sharing information with Police to locate the suspect and have him arrested,” Dr Joseph said.  

“I want to make it clear that PNGDF or its Military Police does not have the jurisdiction to make any arrest outside military establishments; therefore, to have done so would be outside the law and would jeopardise the efforts of the police. 

“Hence, information sharing and cooperation was the best path taken to assist police. 

“The soldier has also been discharged from the force as dictated by administrative process following desertion of his post.

“With his capture and arrest by the Police, the former member of the force, identified as Private Mileng Kapli, will now face the criminal charges laid against him and serve all punishments determined by the courts if found guilty. 

“The Government or the PNGDF is not under any obligation to assist him in any form. The criminal charges are his personal liability,” he said.  

Meanwhile, the defence minister said PNGDF has carried out preliminary investigations into the incident that occurred at the Force Support Battalion and has determined that a thorough investigation must be taken so that informed amendments can be made to rules and regulations to ensure such incidents do not recur.