Lawlessness in logging area, a worry

By NATHAN WOTI
LANDOWNERS of Wawoi Guavi, Kamusi, in Western’s Delta Fly have raised concern at lawlessness with organised gangs terrorising local communities and employees of a logging company.
In a petition to Prime Minister James Marape, Internal Security Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jr and Police Commissioner David Manning, the landowners claimed the crisis at Bosavi, Southern Highlands, near Tagari River has spilt over into their district.
The landowners said the continuous threats from the gangs had forced the shutting down of Government services, business activities and seen an exodus of health workers, teachers and workers of a logging company.
A spokesman who did not wish to be named for safety reasons, told this paper that the people wanted immediate action from the Government to address the issue.
He said the logging company which had been operating since the 1980s and was the only source of development for the communities was on the verge of ending operations.
He said this had caused locals to speak up for the benefit of the people and those who would be affected.
“It has been an ongoing issue for a very longtime but nothing has been done over the years,’ he said.
“Our people have been robbed, kidnapped, women and young girls raped, and old people beaten if they don’t give them what they want.
“It has been getting worse since 2020.
“The perpetrators, who are mostly from the Komo-Hulia, in Hela, have used the mountain routes which borders Southern Highlands, Hela and Western, and come down to the villages to rob people and kidnap young girls.”
According to the landowners, the logging company, Wawoi-Guavi Timbers, had paid a total of about K2.8 million to date for the release of villagers and their employees since 2020.
In June 2020, the same gang group robbed and abducted six Malaysians, four nationals and demanded a ransom of K300,000 which was paid.
A month later, they robbed a trade store and stole goods worth about K700,000 and killed two Chinese nationals at Sesareme camp, Makapa.
At Kamusi camp, they abducted seven women and demanded ransom, which the logging company paid.
In August, nine women were abducted, gang raped and released.
“We are suffering, especially the women and girls, the employees of the logging company, the teachers and old people,” he said.
“We want the Hela, Southern Highlands and Western governments to come together and address this as it’s a humanitarian crisis in our backyard.”