A devastating incident unfolded on Bagbag Island in Madang Province, resulting in the tragic death of 23-year-old Shammika Pantumari. The young woman was fatally stabbed on Saturday evening, allegedly by Salul Kiari, a 24-year-old man from Swit village in Raikos District. Kiari has since been arrested and charged with wilful murder. Shammika Pantumari, the daughter of Senior Constable Joe Pantumari of the Madang Police, had traveled to the island with a singsing group from Yabob village. They were attending a funeral ceremony, a traditional gathering that turned into a scene of tragedy. The attack occurred between 6:30 pm and 7:30 pm on February 22, according to police reports. The suspect, Kiari, allegedly confronted Pantumari about her movements before stabbing her in the left rib with a kitchen knife. The incident was sudden and shocking, as described by Madang Provincial Police Commander Acting Superintendent Robert Baim. "The incident happened so fast that villagers saw her bleeding as she ran for help before collapsing," Baim reported. Despite efforts to get her medical assistance, Pantumari was pronounced dead upon arrival at a local health center. Following the incident, both the suspect and the victim's body were transported to Madang town. The police have scheduled a post-mortem examination for February 26 to further investigate the circumstances of her death. Meanwhile, Kiari remains in custody at Jomba Police Station and is expected to appear before the Madang District Court on charges of wilful murder. In light of this tragic event, Acting Superintendent Baim has issued a warning to young girls to be cautious around youths, particularly those who may be under the influence of illicit substances. He emphasized the potential dangers posed by individuals who might act recklessly without regard for life. Police are continuing their investigation to uncover the motive behind this brutal attack, seeking to understand what led to such a violent confrontation. The community remains in shock, mourning the loss of a young life and grappling with the implications of the incident. The case highlights ongoing concerns about safety and substance abuse in the region, prompting calls for increased vigilance and preventive measures.