The PNG Tribal Foundation works tirelessly to bring justice for victims of Sorcery Accusation Related Violence (SARV). This work is funded by donors — both local and international — who believe that innocent people deserve protection and that perpetrators must be held accountable under the law.
Because of this, the Tribal Foundation takes serious offense when authorities tasked with protecting victims and prosecuting offenders instead undermine the very cases they are responsible for upholding.
Across the country, we are managing a growing number of SARV cases. While many police officers and justice officials are doing outstanding work with limited resources, there are also individuals who see these cases as an opportunity for personal gain. We have repeatedly witnessed situations where corrupt officials attempt to damage cases by accepting bribes.
Let me be very clear: the Tribal Foundation is not fighting for ourselves. We are fighting for innocent victims who have been displaced, tortured, attacked, and in some cases murdered because of false accusations. Holding perpetrators accountable in Papua New Guinea is incredibly difficult work. It requires time, resources, and persistence, often over many years.
When someone within the system attempts to undermine a SARV case — whether through corruption, interference, or negligence — we do not ignore it. Instead, we shift our attention to the offending official and work closely with the Police Internal Investigation Unit to pursue accountability.
Those who believe they can profit from undermining justice are badly mistaken.
Once the Tribal Foundation commits to a SARV case, we see it through to the end. Any officer or official within the justice system who interferes with a case we are supporting will become the subject of investigation themselves. We monitor our cases closely and maintain detailed records of actions taken by all parties involved.
Recently, one of our major cases has been compromised by a police officer who accepted what is commonly referred to as “snake bail”. We are currently finalizing the details of this matter and will soon be formally reporting it. We expect that the officer involved will face arrest, prosecution, and dismissal.
The fight for justice for SARV victims is demanding work. It is unacceptable for individuals to diminish the value of these victims’ lives by accepting bribes and benefiting personally at the expense of justice. Such actions not only betray the victims, but also waste the time, effort, and donor funds dedicated to securing justice.
Once the facts are fully documented, the Tribal Foundation will release further details publicly and engage directly with the authorities responsible for ensuring accountability.
Let this serve as a warning.
Anyone who attempts to sabotage a SARV case that the Tribal Foundation is supporting should proceed with extreme caution. We are not playing games with the lives of innocent people, and we will not allow corruption to stand in the way of justice.
Those in leadership positions who fail to act against officers accepting bribes will themselves become complicit in the crime.
There will be no excuses.