Jiwaka police reported two deaths at the same location on Thursday, July 10th at the WRC Estate in Kedeng, Banz.
Jiwaka Provincial Police Commander Chief Inspector Laimo Asi confirmed the death-report at the same location at WRC Estate Kedeng, Banz.
Police identified the first man as 30-year-old Jacob Pet from the Kuta Kopi Tribe of Central Hagen and the other man was Agiru Koroba aged between 65 and 70 from Koroba in Hela Province, who had died as a result of a fight that occurred at different locations within the estate.
Moreover, PPC Asi emphasized that Mr. Pet was found dead by his relatives lying in front of the estate gate. He mentioned that police had spoken to his relatives to cooperate with the police and not take the law into their own hands as police are working tirelessly to determine the cause of his death.
Asi added that the elderly Mr. Koroba was sleeping in his house when Hela residents who reside in the settlement near the estate, allegedly burned down more than 20 houses, including Mr. Koroba’s home with him in it.
“The situation was very tense, but a quick response from the police brought the situation under control. One of the main suspects from Hela, who is now admitted to the hospital, is under close supervision from the police.”
“Those who lost their houses were advised not to take the law into their own hands but to assist the police with information on how it happened that led to the death of the old man and the burning of the houses,” PPC Asi said.
Speaking at the Scene of the crimes, PPC Asi urged the communities not to interfere with police investigations and to allow police to carry out their duty. He pointed out that police are yet to get reports from other parties of the province regarding incidents that happened during Wednesday night until Thursday morning.
The situation is under control but still tense. The police are monitoring the area.