Goroka fights: 10 suspects identified

Goroka police are anticipating the handing over of ten suspects in relation to the New Year ’s Day murder that sparked ethnic fights this morning.

Community leaders in a meeting with police were given until 8am tomorrow to hand over the suspects as a sign of good will.

Sergeant Joseph Puang from the scene tells PNG PNG Loop that the ten men were confirmed this afternoon after the meeting.

He says that the suspects are not just from Okapa but are a mixture of the  residents of the Okapa/Lufa block who were allegedly involved in the killing of an Unggai man on Friday the 1st day of  the new year.

This killing was in retaliation to people from the Unggai/Watabung block who assaulted residents of the Okapa/Lufa block.

All these ethnic blocks are part of the Genoka Settlement area which is on the outskirts of the Goroka town.

Puang says that despite the place now being quiet police are still on alert and maintaining a presence in the area.

Author: 
Julianna Waeda