Relatives petition Mahuru villagers

Relatives of a man who was killed in a fight between the settlers of Sabama and Motu-Koitabua, on Saturday night, June 17 in Port Moresby, have petitioned the people of Mahuru.

The deceased, Isaiah Kewa, from Kepiki tribe in Ialibu, Southern Highlands Province, was killed in Mahuru Village and pronounced dead early the next day, shortly after being rushed to the Port Moresby General Hospital.

A peace mediation meeting was held on Monday, June 26, at the Boroko Police Station between the Mahuru villagers, the Kaure community of Sabama and the relatives of late Kewa, facilitated by NCD Peace Mediation team.

A three point petition was presented by the tribesmen to the Mahuru people at the meeting.

The relatives have demanded for funeral and body repatriation costs of K52,000, to be met by the Mahuru villagers as soon as possible.

They also demand compensation for the loss of life and a compensation date is yet to be confirmed.

The chief and councilor of the Mahuru accepted the petition and will respond during the next meeting   on July 9.

Kepiki community leader in Port Moresby, Pius Tapu, said this is a great loss for their tribe and SHP.

Tapu said in order to restore peace, both communities must come to a mutual understanding despite the cultural differences.

Kepiki tribesman Thomas Warua assured the people of Mahuru that with the peace mediation process underway, there’ll be no more retaliation, harassment or intimidation.

The body of late Kewa now remains at the POMGEN morgue, waiting to be repatriated to Ialibu.

As of today, no arrest has been made following the death. Investigation is ongoing.

Author: 
Quintina Naime