PNG cult leader's wife sought over rape, murder accusations

Madang, Papua New Guinea - Police in Papua New Guinea are searching for the wife of a notorious cult leader who was arrested last week.

Steven Tari, also known as Black Jesus, was carried out of the jungle by police last week.

The 32-year-old was dressed in a loincloth and had his hands and feet bound to a bamboo stretcher.

Tari had been running a cult that had attracted around 6,000 followers and allegedly involved sacrificial killings and cannibalism.

Police have indicated that Tari will face at least 26 rape and two murder charges.

The court magistrate instructed police to search for Tari's wife who has been described as the co-accused.

The cult leader has already been charged with skipping bail, assaulting police and spreading false information.