Police in Madang are investigating an incident where a 14-year-old schoolgirl was allegedly killed as a sacrificial offering.
They are also looking into reports her body parts were eaten by her biological mother and the elusive leader of a cult movement in Madang, Steven Tari or “Black Jesus”, in a bizarre demonic ritual in Madang.
It is alleged the mother of the young girl lured her daughter to Black Jesus’ hideout, then offered her to the cult leader by forcing her to have sex with him before the mother stabbed her to death. Police said the mother and Tari then collected her warm blood and drank it from one cup.
The pair also reportedly ate her body parts. Madang police station commander, Chief Inspector Jim Namora said the incident happened about three weeks ago but was reported to them only on Monday. He said about 5.30pm on October 1, the young girl, Rita Herman, from Gohe Village, Mawan in the Trans Gogol area, was lured from her village to Tari, or Black Jesus”, at a small village called Suguneir.
Rita was then told to have sex with Tari while her mother watched before killing her and offering her body in live sacrifice in a demonic ritual.
The mother, Barmarhal Herman, also known as the queen of Black Jesus’ flower girls, allegedly discussed Rita’s fate with Tari. They both chose the young girl as their sacrificial lamb. Mr Namora said it was also believed the proposition was allegedly discussed and agreed to by Rita’s parents, before her murder.
Police say when Rita arrived at the hamlet Black Jesus was hiding in, she was ushered into an empty hut by her mother where Tari had sex with her (Rita) before she was stabbed to death by her mother. Mrs Herman reportedly told Rita that Steven Tari was going to “bless” her and that she should not refuse or resist him. Mrs Herman was later “blessed” by Tari when he finished with her daughter.
Mr Namora said Mrs Herman admitted the story to her family members, saying she was grateful for Tari’s blessings as they would receive goods and large amounts of money free.
One of Mrs Herman’s daughters is serving time at the Beon Jail after being convicted earlier this year by the Madang District court for her active role as the chief “flower girl” for Tari. Tari is on the run from police over his cult movement which has a big following in the remote area, about an hour’s drive from Madang.