MINISTER KAUPA URGES CALM AS ETHNIC CLASH DEATHS RISE IN THE CITY

BY NIGEL MADO

MINISTER for Environment conservation and Moresby North East John Kaupa is calling on the people in his electorate to stop the killing between both the Hela (Purini) and Southern Highlands (Kagua) ethnic groups in the city. This is in relation to the recent deaths at 14mile.

Police have identified at least 3 deaths as a result of these pre-independence clashes. NCD/Central Commander, Acting Commissioner of Police Benjamin Turi stated that two suspects have been brought forward

The cause of the incident was an attempted phone snatching that went wrong saw a fight ensue which led to a number of houses being burnt with at least 3 lives lost due to the fight.

The ACP stated that the Crime investigation Division is working hard to ensure that those original individuals are identified and held accountable

Police have rounded up those from the Kagua group who took part in the killings while those from the Hela have yet to be rounded up

The Minister called on the individuals from the Hela community to come forward and to set up a dialogue.