A fatal ethnic clash in the National Capital District (NCD), sparked by the alleged theft of a mobile phone at 14mile on the 6th of September, has resulted in a Simbu man been slashed and a Hela man being killed.

In retaliation the family of the deceased killed an innocent young man from Kagua, Southern Highlands Province in 8mile.

NCD/Central Police Commander Assistant Commissioner Benjamin Turi confirmed these killings and added also that there was another killing at 12mile, next to the water-melon market during the early hours of 17th September.

ACP Turi added that the deceased was believed to be from Morobe and it is still not clear if this killing is related to the ethnic clash or is a separate killing.

“Central CID and the NCD Homocide unit are currently working on this case to identify the cause and who was behind the killing”.

ACP Turi praised leaders from the Kagua community for taking immediate accountability.

Representatives from the Kagua tribe have already cooperated with authorities at the Boroko Police Station, voluntarily surrendering two primary suspects.

Turi issued an urgent appeal to the Porane tribe of Koroba, Hela Province, demanding they show the same cooperation.

"I commend the leaders from the Kagua side for bringing their people to the police and surrendering two suspects. If the Kaguans can do it, then why can't the Hela people come forward as well? There is no reason to be reluctant," Turi stated.

“All statements are already with the Homicide departments, and police are fully aware of who is involved in the ethnic clash, but we are asking for volunteer surrender by you”.

He warned that the Homicide Department already holds witness statements and has identified the key players involved. Authorities are strictly urging a voluntary surrender before police move in to make forced arrests.

Commander called heavily upon political and community leaders to step up and keep their people in line, warning that local violence severely damages Papua New Guinea's global reputation.

“Killing, robberies, petty crimes and social problems have increased law and order in the country, painting a very bad image to investors and visitors”.

Turi revealed that apart from this recent ethnic clash, a grim statistic, of at least one murder has been committed every single day since the start of September, with most stemming from minor arguments and CID has attended to all these cases every day.  

In response to the surge in lawlessness, ACP Turi appeals to the residents of NCD to report any suspicious individual or vehicle in possession of weapons to your nearby police station.

“Police will also do roadblock, and vehicle checks and whoever is in possession of weapons in their vehicles will be arrested and put behind bars”.