Illegal settlers in the National Capital District (NCD) are being warned that they face eviction if they continue to cause law and order problems.
Acting NCD Metropolitan Superintendent, Mazuc Rubiang, issued this stern message to residents of the 8- Mile settlement following a violent clash on October 16th that left one man dead, and several others injured.
During an open mediation held on Sunday, Superintendent Rubiang reminded the settlers that they do not have legal rights to the land they occupy and will be forcibly removed if they continue to engage in criminal activity.
He acknowledged the challenges people face when moving from their home provinces to the city but stressed the importance of obeying the law.
Supt. Rubiang said, “The majority of the city’s law and order issues are caused by the residents of the settlements.”
According to police reports, 8 Mile settlement has been identified as one of the hotspots for crime in the city.
Both police and Moresby North East MP John Kaupa confirmed this, stating that evictions will begin for those illegally occupying state land.
Senior Inspector Gabriel Kini, Commander of Gordons Police Station, said it is time to take action against these illegal settlers, warning that force may be used to remove them.
“When people relocate from the village to the city, law and order problems also increase,” said Inspector Kini.
“The police will now use force to evict people because they are settling illegally on state land and posing threats to law and order.”
MP Kaupa, who attended the mediation session at 8 Mile, also emphasized that the land is State property and that settlers must behave or face eviction. He was there to help mediate and restore peace after the fight, which erupted following a robbery incident.
The conflict on October 16th reportedly began when a man from Marawaka was caught stealing from a church and homes in the area.
He was beaten by those he had robbed but managed to escape after being taken to the hospital.
Following his return, his tribesmen confronted those he had stolen from, demanding compensation, which led to further violence and the eventual death of one man.
Both MP Kaupa and the police warned residents that further disturbances will not be tolerated and could lead to eviction from the settlement.