Kokoda incident

Juvenile in Kokoda case released on bail

Justice Panuel Mogish issued the order yesterday after Public Prosecution team brought the issue of investigation before the court’s attention.

Justice Mogish ordered the officer involved to see his commanding officer for not cooperating with the prosecutor in his investigation despite the case attracting international attention.

The 17-year-old juvenile who was arrested and charge of the attack on two tourists along the Kokoda track early this year was released from custody after a successful bail application at the Waigani National Court.

Tourist visas to be thoroughly checked

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Immigration Rimbink Pato in a statement said, “I have instructed the Chief Migration Officer Solomon Kantha for immigration to apply more stringent screening measures on foreigners from eligible countries applying for visa on arrival are genuine tourists who have adequate funds to support themselves and have a planned and coordinated tour itinerary.

“Given that there is now suspicions of the story been fabricated by the two individuals for their own benefit, and whilst awaiting completion of the investigation.      

Kokoda incident must be challenged in court, says former KTA boss

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.

Kokoda incident is a setback for tourism says TPA boss

But an optimistic Vincent says the independent assessment given by tour operators, Charlie Lynn and Frank Taylor gives a balanced picture of the two tourists account of their ordeal reported in a London newspaper.

Both operators represent 80 precent of the Australian market.     

“In the last 12-18 months, TPA has engaged women models to promote and market Kokoda to (potential) women trackers. 

 “We have done it through our Sydney office, through PR perspective and the incident is a setback,” Vincent said.