The former chief executive officer of Kokoda Track Authority (KTA) Warren Bartlett wants the State and KTA to file a lawsuit to challenge the allegations raised by the two tourists regarding the Kokoda incident.
Last week, Mattew Iovane and American Michelle alleged accounts were flashed on a London newspaper front page with the headline, “Kidnapped by cannibals: Brit and girlfriend stripped, beaten and tortured by Papua New Guinea tribe.”
In an interview with Loop PNG, Bartlett the owner of Sogeri Lodge said legal challenge should be pushed against the couples.
“Whar they say is bullshit; they must be legally challenged for damaging the tourism industry, racist comments (made by the duo), lied to get a KTA permit to walk the track and also the associated cost incurred by KTA to airlift them out of Kokoda and other expenses.”
Sogeri lodge was the place where the couple stayed before embarking on their walk, and Bartlett said they came unprepared and also declined to adhere to advice he gave them.
Meanwhile, two suspects are now in police custody and investigation are continuing.
Picture source: The Sun.