NCD MET SUPT CALLS FOR CALM AS POLICE LOOK INTO RAINBOW DEATH BRAWL

BY NIGEL MADO

NCD Metropolitan Superintendent Warrick Simatab has appealed to families, community leaders and residents from all provinces living in Port Moresby to remain calm and exercise restraint following recent violence in Gerehu and Rainbow.

Mr Simatab urged residents to cooperate with police and avoid allowing individual criminal actions to escalate into wider ethnic or community-based conflict.

The Metropolitan Command has strengthened police presence and increased high-visibility patrols around Gerehu, Rainbow and surrounding communities to prevent further violence and protect lives and property.

Mr Simatab warned that police would pursue those responsible through the lawful justice system, stressing that murder, robbery, mob violence and acts of retaliation would not be tolerated.

He also extended his sincere condolences to the families of both deceased persons and wished those injured a speedy recovery.

Mr Simatab called on communities to respect human life, maintain peace and work together with police to keep Port Moresby safe.

He reiterated that the law must prevail and urged residents to allow police to carry out their investigations and bring those responsible to justice.

According to Police reports, on Saturday, 31 October, a 17-year-old male, youth, was allegedly robbed of his mobile phone near Elisio Shopping Centre, Gerehu. In an attempt to recover his stolen property, he and his elder brother returned to confront the alleged offenders. Unfortunately, the confrontation turned violent, resulting in youth being fatally stabbed. His elder brother also sustained serious injuries.

The following morning, Sunday, 1 November, alleged retaliatory attacks occurred around Rainbow Cash and Carry. These attacks resulted in the death of another person, serious injuries to another, and the burning of roadside market stalls and damage to other property.