The Jiwaka police have reported two deaths at the same location yesterday, Thursday, July 10 at WRC Estate in Kedeng, Banz.
Jiwaka Provincial Police Commander Chief Inspector Laimo Asi (pictured) confirmed that a 30-year-old man from the Kuta Kopi Tribe of Central Hagen and a man between the ages of 65 and 70 from Koroba in Hela Province had died as a result of a fight that occurred at different locations within the estate yesterday morning.
PPC Asi said the 30-year-old man, identified as Jacob Pet, was found dead lying in front of the estate gate this morning by his relatives. He stated that police are now working around the clock to determine the cause of his death. He also mentioned that police had spoken to his relatives to cooperate and not take the law into their own hands.
He further added that the other deceased was identified as Agiru Koroba from Koroba in Hela Province, who was very old and was sleeping in his house when people from Hela, who reside at the settlement near the estate, burned down more than 20 houses, one of which had the old man inside, who was burned to death.
“The situation was very tense, but a quick response from the police has brought the situation under control. One of the main suspects from Hela, who is now admitted to the hospital and under close supervision from the police. Those who lost their houses were advised not to take the law into their own hands but to assist the police with information on how it happened that led to the death of the old man and the burning of the houses,” PPC Asi said.
He further added that the police are yet to confirm reports from other parts of the province regarding incidents that happened during Wednesday night until Thursday morning.
PPC Asi was at the scene, addressing the people and telling them not to take the law into their own hands. The situation is under control but still tense. The police are monitoring the area.
