Kokoda Track Authority has confirmed that the arrangement for guides made by the tourist couple did not go through their office.
Michael O'Kave KTA Operations and Safety Manager told media that the couple did not go through a licensed operator to pick guides but made private arrangements with other guides on the ground.
O'Kave says the KTA has policies in place that flag such arrangements adding that for now they will help facilitate for the suspects to be brought over. He clarified that the trip that led to the incident failed in terms of arrangements as it did not meet vital safety criteria.
KTA, according to O'Kave certified for the initial trip by the couple by Kokoda Adventure an Australian-based tour operator that facilitated for the official guide.
Unfortunately the company guide was abandoned by the couple at Sogeri Lodge.
O'Kave who met with the male victim says he indicated they wanted to get their own guides.
He says the guides were not arranged by a licensed operator. During the couple’s trek, it is alleged, the guides were changed three times all of which was done privately by the couple and not through any KTA sanctioned operators.
For now the suspects, who have arrived have been whisked away by police for questioning.
