A week-long police operation has led two murder suspects from Mondo village in Woitape Local Level Government, Goilala District, to surrender to Central Province police. The operation, which aimed to defuse tensions and end violence between Mondo and neighboring villages, was organized by Central Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Chief Inspector Joseph Salle. He deployed police and Mobile Squad officers from McGregor Barracks in Port Moresby city following a series of violent incidents that resulted in the deaths of four people—three from Mondo village and one from the Yumu and Idu villages. Arriving in the conflict area last Saturday, the police officers worked closely with community leaders to identify the suspects and negotiate peace. Inspector Salle expressed gratitude to Mondo village leaders for their cooperation and the suspects’ surrender, calling it "a good sign that the community wants to see change." He noted that the violence had severely impacted local life, particularly the closure of Mondo Primary School, leaving students without access to education. “Before other government services can come, law and order issues must be fixed,” Inspector Salle added. “The surrender program is the beginning of this.” He further emphasized the importance of peace for the local economy, highlighting that the Tolokuma Mine, a major project in the region, could bring significant benefits to Mondo village if the road links are maintained and the area remains stable. Tolokuma Mine landowner chairman George Gusie, who assisted in negotiating with village leaders, thanked the police for their commitment. Gusie pledged to maintain communication with nearby villages to encourage additional suspect surrenders, stating, “I will continue to keep in touch with the other villages to see them surrender the other suspects.” Silliso Elei, a community spokesperson for the Mondo people, echoed Gusie’s sentiments, expressing appreciation for the police presence. “Since the fight, we had been living in the bush,” Elei explained, describing how the community fled after their village was destroyed. "Police presence now made us feel safe to come out from our bush houses and move around freely." The violent feud reportedly began after the tragic murder of a Mondo child, who was thrown into a burning house during a village dispute." In retaliation, Mondo villagers killed a man from Yumu village, sparking further violence, which led to the destruction of homes and property in the area. Police arrived amidst the escalating situation, successfully preventing further clashes and starting the peace process. Inspector Salle assured both village leaders and community members that police would remain in the area to maintain order and support the community’s return to normalcy. "We will be here to make sure the village remains calm," he said, acknowledging both the community spokesperson Elei and chairman Gusie for their cooperation and dedication to resolving the conflict peacefully. This surrender operation, viewed as a first step toward rebuilding trust and stability, aims to open doors for improved law enforcement and future government services in the area.