A total of 29 men has been arrested and are now detained at the Six Mile Police Station in Port Moresby to be interrogated and charged accordingly in relation to a fight that started between two groups of alleged men from Tari under the Erima Flyover Bridge.

National Capital District (NCD) Metropolitan Superintendent Warrick Simatab, confirmed that police acted within five minutes to stop the armed men who were destroying the market under the Erima Flyover Bridge.

He said that, according to information provided to the police, it was a retaliatory fight between the Tari men who fought among themselves yesterday at Nine Mile.

“The group from Nine Mile retaliated because one of their members was injured yesterday. When they reached Erima, they started destroying markets, prompting the police to be alerted.”

“The police responded and arrested about 31 individuals, including two community leaders, who were released to return and identify those who are still on the run.”

“The suspects will be profiled, interrogated, and charged accordingly.”

Met Supt Simatab further added that the police will work as a team to address such issues to ensure order in the city.

He stated that retaliatory fights must not occur because there are avenues to resolve conflicts.

In addition, he emphasized that police stations, village courts, community leaders, and parents are available to help solve issues.

He also urged the public not to take the law into their own hands and instil fear in other innocent people living among them.

Furthermore, Met Supt Simatab thanked the police officers for their quick response. He also thanked the Gordon’s Police Station Commander Senior Inspector Gabriel Kini, for leading the police officers to the scene.

He said teamwork from all police units is what the command needs to help reduce such group fights in the city.