Police chief raises concerns over rise in killings

By JAMES GUMUNO
POLICE in the Highlands region are concerned about the number of killings committed by people who want to be recognised by the people as “leaders”.
Eastern End police divisional commander Kaiglo Ambane said people would recognise one as leader if one killed enemy tribesmen.
He said the people did not recognise the ward councilors or village court magistrates as leaders.
“Generally, some do not respect other peoples’ lives,” he said.
Ambane said killing other people was “normal” and was not reported to police.
“When one is killed by the enemy tribesmen, they quickly hide the body,” he said.
“Then they go back and kill one of the enemy tribesmen before they bury their dead.”
He said from February to May this year, 12 people including one woman were killed.
Ambane said 11 were killed in tribal fights while one shot dead the stepfather of his wife. Only seven were reported to police.
He said there were four attempted murder cases reported, with two arrests made so far.
Ambane said the tribal fighting was between Atani and Piraka tribes at Tigibi and between the Kupari and Lenapini tribes near Tari town.
He said Hela culture was complex and peoples’ way of thinking needed to be changed.
He suggested that there should be a research conducted to find a way to change their attitudes.
He, however, thanked the “many good people” who were always working with police and security personnel to maintain law and order.