Killing instigates fight

MT Hagen came to a standstill yesterday with shops and business houses closed for the day after two armed groups confronted each other following the killing of a young man on Wednesday.
The deceased was murdered in front of the Rainbow Supermarket at China Town by thieves who tried to rob a woman of her cash.
The victim’s relatives from Kagua in Southern Highlands came running in all directions with weapons such as bush knives yesterday, heading towards the animal market where killers had escaped after stabbing him. A fight on Wednesday afternoon followed the death and continued yesterday between the Kaguas and a group from Pope Oval.
People fled in all directions.
According to locals, the victim was trying to protect the women from being robbed when he was stabbed with a knife.
He was rushed to hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.
Police commander Jacob Kamiak could not be reached for comment. City manager Jim Pena condemned the killing. He described the killers as desperate culprits who “did not have any sense of respect at all”.
Pena said people who ignored the law, peace and did not submit to the basic rules should not have a place in society.
“This group of thieves have no respect, their actions have cost the life of an innocent young man,” he said.
Pena said the deceased was a sportsman and represented Western Highlands in kickboxing, rugby league and basketball.
He was also a flag carrier for the province. “He was trying to save a sister,” he said.
“This is now forcing the city authority to close the informal markets, animal and central, because they are becoming a place of hiding for thieves.”
Pena described the deceased as a genuine citizen.
Asst commissioner of police Highlands eastern end commander Joseph Tondop said his men had taken control of the situation.
He said whoever was involved would be found and brought to justice.