Four charged with tribal killings

FOUR Boera villagers were arrested and charged on Tuesday with the tribal killings in Porebada two months ago.
Central province police commander Chief Supt Aquila Tokanini yesterday confirmed that the four were charged with willful murder and were now in police custody.
Chief Supt Tokanini said Boera village leaders had engaged a lawyer to represent them when they appear in court.
However, police could not confirm the date for the court hearing.
The killing of four men was sparked by a land dispute over legitimate traditional landownership of portion 152 PNG LNG gas development site.
During the clash, others were seriously wounded and admitted to the Port Moresby General Hospital (POMGH).
According to earlier POMGH reports, those who died had gun shot wounds.
The incident led to an extensive two-month police probe before 13 suspects were identified earlier this week.
Police investigations are still in progress.
Chief Supt Tokanini said another five men were being questioned yesterday in connection with the killings.
“If they admit to the crime, it will bring to nine the total number of suspects arrested for the killings,” he said.
Earlier this week, Chief Supt Tokanini confirmed that police had the names of 13 men responsible for the killing of the four men during the clash between Boera and Porebada villagers while the other four suspects were still on the run.