Jelek Waker-led armed group masterminded shooting of priest

Notorious armed criminal group

Jayapura, Papua (ANTARA) – Papua police unveiled that a notorious criminal group, led by Jelek Waker, might have masterminded the shooting of Priest Yeremia Zanambani in Hitadipa Village, Hitadipa Sub-district, Intan Jaya District, Papua Province, on Sept 19.

This notorious armed criminal group might have also plotted a string of shootings and attacks on army personnel and civilians over the past few days, Papua Police spokesperson Sen. Coms. Ahmad Kamal told journalists here, Monday.

The Waker-led armed gang members had attempted to lure military and police personnel into the area, but only some army personnel were, in fact, present at the Persiapan Hipadipa Military Sub-district Command, he noted.

“Hence, it is untrue that Priest Yeremia Zanambani, found dead in Hitadipa Village, was gunned down by security personnel,” Kamal remarked, adding that the police will conduct a crime scene investigation to probe the shooting case.

In connection with this case, Sugapa Police Chief Second Inspector Engel Mayor had met with Priest Timotius Miagoni from the Indonesian Evangelical Christian Church (GKII) during which discussion centered on information on Zanambani’s death circulated on social media platforms.

Priest Miagoni was quoted by Kamal as saying that he received a phone call from a family member of Priest Yeremia Zanambani in Hitadipa Village informing him of Zanambani being shot dead while feeding his swine at his pig pen.

“That is what I heard because I have yet to visit the village, so I am not able to speak further,” Priest Miagoni was quoted by Kamal as saying.

Over the past few days, the notorious armed criminals in Intan Jaya District’s area had launched a series of deadly attacks on both military personnel and civilians. As a result, four people died, including two army personnel.

On account of this situation, local residents and religious figures are recommended to not engage in outdoor activities at night by taking into account a spike in violent acts of armed criminals in the area, he stated.