A young woman was brutally killed while another man is in a critical condition at the hospital following a knife wielding retaliatory attack by four men at the Madang Town Market early yesterday morning.
Madang Provincial Police Commander Superintendent Mazuc Rubiang said the four men of Enga Province origin have been apprehended by police and will each be charged for wilful murder and attempted murder.
He said the incident happened after a fight between youths from Sepik origin with the Engan men earlier on in the morning at the entrance of the market.
“A Sepik youth had earlier stole from a customer at the Service Station belonging to the Engans and was chased where he ran to his fellow youths who usually loiter around the entrance to the market,” Mr Rubiang said.
“The group of youths then badly beat the Engan man who went back to the service station and returned with three others armed with four one-meter-long bush knives.”
“By then the youths had already dispersed and these men started attacking anyone that were in their way with the bush knives.”
“This happened as businesses and workers were making their way to open up shops and offices and everyone went fleeing when these four men went through with their rampage.”
He said the young woman was trying to buy flour balls for breakfast when she was severely struck from the back of her neck killing her instantly.
The security guard received cuts to his back.
Following this, the public turned on the four men and went on to the damage the service station where the fight lasted for over 30 minutes before police brought calm to the situation.
Details of the deceased and injured are yet to be established by police.