Police investigations have revealed that poor payment of porters could be the motive for the recent attack on the tourist couple at the Kokoda Track.
This was gathered so far from the interrogation of the two male suspects.
Central Provincial Police Commander Laimo Asi said while investigations are ongoing, police have established this as the main motive behind the attack on the tourists.
He said according to the suspects, the tourist couple paid them less than what was required for their services; adding that the minimum pay for a days’ walk is K60 per day for each porter.
The suspects told police that the couple only paid them K20 each and changed porters at about five different locations or villages. They paid the same amount to all porters.
Commander Asi however stressed that this was no excuse to commit such a crime and the suspects will undergo full interrogation before being charged and brought to court.
Meantime the PPC also revealed that the medical certificate of the two victims will be acquired today. This report will assist police to lay proper charges on the two suspects.