Police in Port Moresby have confirmed a fatal shooting incident at Koki, National Capital District, this morning following an alleged attack on police officers at the exit gate of the main Koki Vegetable Market.

The deceased has been identified as Huluwin Ravu, a 25-year-old male and resident of the Wanigela Settlement at Koki.

According to preliminary information, police officers were attending to an incident at the Koki market at approximately 9:00am when Ravu allegedly confronted and attempted to stab police officers with a kitchen knife.

Police responded by discharging their firearms, resulting in Ravu sustaining gunshot wounds. The incident reportedly prevented further harm to three police personnel, including a First Constable, a Senior Constable and a Koki Base Community Policing officer. Ravu was then subsequently transported to Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH), where he was pronounced dead.

Police records indicate that the deceased had previously been associated with a number of alleged criminal matters and had been arrested on previous occasions.

These matters included allegations of attempted murder, armed robbery, armed hold-ups, stealing, escaping from police custody and other serious offences.

Police also allege that he had recently escaped from the Boroko Metropolitan Cell on 3 September 2026 and had subsequently been seen in possession of what was believed to be a factory-made pistol.

Police further allege that Ravu was a person of interest in a number of other criminal investigations, including a serious sexual assault matter reported at Koki on 15 August 2026.

The circumstances surrounding today's shooting will be subject to the appropriate police investigation, including examination of the scene and collection of relevant evidence.

The body has been taken to Port Moresby General Hospital mortuary, while necessary police documentation and reports are being prepared.

Police are urging members of the public who witnessed the incident or have relevant information to cooperate with investigators. Further information will be released when it becomes available and after the necessary investigations have been completed.

In the meantime, Motorists are being urged to avoid the Badili-Koki Market area following the incident this morning.

NCD Metropolitan Superintendent Warrick Simatab has confirmed police are aware of the situation and says officers are currently gathering information from the ground.

Simatab is warning motorists travelling along the road to take extreme caution and avoid the area if possible until police provide further updates.

He says police are yet to issue an official statement, but a report is expected once officers on the ground provide a full briefing. Motorists are advised to consider alternative routes and stay alert as police monitor the situation.

Attempts to get full and clear updates from the Badili Police station commander by PNG Haus Bung were unsuccessful.