The New Britain Highway is no longer safe with local armed criminals dominating the roads by vehicle hold-ups. New Britain highway is located in West New Britain linking over 30 local areas into the main town, Kimbe Town. Locals travel to access basic services and needs available in town. On 18th October a highway bus was held up at Galai 2 on the New Britain Highway by these unknown local criminals gaining control of the vehicle and maneuvered it off road. The passenger’s properties were stripped from them and they received multiple serious stab wounds. Furthermore, an elderly woman was instantly raped and killed by these criminals. The victims were admitted to Kimbe hospital for immediate medical attention. Passengers from communities traveling the highway are devastated by the recent acts and expressed mutual concerns over the issue. Community leader in Biala Town Mr. Joseph Nare shared his concern to PNG HAUSBUNG on the ongoing matter and stated people are on high alert. “Public transport hold ups are becoming more frequent from these criminals.” “Now we no longer can guarantee the safety of people travelling the New Britain highway.” Mr Nare stresses counter measures for PMV’S should be introduced to minimize these hold-ups. “We need more police manpower to be scattered along the highway at this time.” He added, “Police Road patrols have become less frequent and as a result this has accelerated the frequent hold-ups. “So we urge public transports to travel in a convoy of two or three vehicles.”