Police in Hela have confirmed that an elderly man was accidentally shot dead in Koroba after an attempt to capture a man in possession of a weapon went sideways.
Acting Provincial Police Commander, Senior Inspector Robin Bore stated that in the heat of an exchange with an unidentified man a village elder was shot in the leg and mortally wounded, dying moments after taking the bullet.
“Our security forces were chasing a man wielding a weapon when an exchange occurred between a PNGDF personnel and the assailant and during that exchange, a village elder was caught in the crossfire and shot between the legs. We attempted first aid but unfortunately, he lost his life,” Bore said.
Police and security partners, the PNG Defense force are now conducting an investigation into the incident with police trying to establish if the incident could have been avoided.
Meanwhile, Bore has advised that peace talks between two factions in Magarima that have been fighting since July during the National General Elections have been shaky with heated negotiations almost turning into full on battles.
“We have issued a court order from the district court and notified both factions to stop fighting but a few people are still causing problems. This Tuesday is the next date for negotiations between both sides,” SIP Bore stated.
Both Parties engaged in the fighting are supporters of current seating member Manasseh Makiba and Dr. Ginson Wakinda.