Cops nab 2 over killing

By ELIAS LARI
MT Hagen police have arrested two suspects over the killing of a Western Highlands’ kick-boxer last Wednesday, police commander Chief Insp Jacob Kamiak says.
“The suspects are being interrogated for the murder,” he said.
“Public law and order in Mt Hagen has been brought under control after both parties were warned from taking the law into their own hands.
“Let the police conduct the investigations and we will make sure to bring those responsible to face justice.”
On Thursday, Mt Hagen was plunged into a standstill with shops and businesses closed after the kick-boxer was stabbed to death by robbers in front of Rainbow Supermarket in China Town.
The kick-boxer, a sportsman who represented Western Highlands in kick-boxing, rugby league and basketball, had gone to the aid of a woman who was confronted by robbers.
Following the killing, two armed groups turned the city streets into a “war zone” with running battles last until Thursday.
The kick-boxer’s relatives and friends from Southern Highlands’ Kagua came to town armed with bush knives and other weapons looking for the killers at a market.
The Kaguas and a group from Pope Oval clashed, sending bystanders running helter-skelter.
Chief Insp Kamiak said: “We have held talks with the relatives of the deceased and they wanted investigations to verify the killers.
“We are now dealing with the two suspects held in the police lock-up.
“Hopefully, they can lead us to others involved in the murder.”
He said the situation was getting back to normal and investigations were continuing to determine what exactly happened and who was or were involved in the killing.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Highlands eastern end commander Joseph Tondop last week called for peace and order between the parties involved.
“Police have taken control over the situation and we do not want anyone to cause problems,” he said.
“Police will deal with it and bring to justice those involved.
“We must maintain peace and order and leave this task to police to deal with.”
The killing forced business houses, banks, schools and health services to close.
The number of casualties is still unknown.