The Commander of the National Capital District (NCD) and Central Province, Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police Benjamin Turi, has condemned the destruction of property and the displacement of residents in the Horse Camp area of Moresby South.
This condemnation follows an incident where alleged Engan men burned down houses belonging to residents from Gulf province.
Commander Turi led a police delegation to the area yesterday (Monday, October 7, 2025) after reports surfaced that nearly all Gulf residents had fled in fear.
While at the scene, Commander Turi and his officers confirmed that approximately seventeen houses were razed to the ground three weeks ago.
The arson was reportedly a retaliatory act following the murder of an Engan man by a man from Gulf Province.
Police confirmed that the murder suspect has since been arrested and is in police custody.
ACP Turi stressed that the Engan men had no right to burn the houses or to establish a "mourning house" in a public area that other innocent Gulf people frequent.
He noted something out of the ordinary that he learned during the visit that the Engans chased the Gulf people out of their houses, and then they got power from one of the houses and connected it to their mourning house in which they were hosting at Sabama.
Commander Turi was forceful in his message against tribal retaliation and land-grabbing.
“This is Port Moresby City, and we do not want to see people bringing their village mentality to the city.”
“Burning down houses and then trying to claim the land is not right and is unlawful.”
“We will investigate the matter and have those who burned down the houses arrested and charged, just like we did to the person who murdered the Engan man.”
He specifically called on those supporting the mourning house and demanding K200, 000 in compensation to cease their actions.
“I am calling on the Engans who are supporting their tribesmen to set up the mourning house and demand K200, 000 compensation to stop."
“We have names of people who are doing that. They will be arrested and charged soon.”
Commander Turi urged the owners of the burnt homes and those who fled Horse Camp to work closely with Badili Police.
He stated that victims must provide statements to allow police to "fast-track the case."
He concluded that police will implement regular patrols in the area to ensure that non-residents do not create new problems and that those who left their homes can safely return.
The Commander and officers from Badili as well as other police units visited the arson sites and advised the victims on the necessary legal procedures.
