Seven people were injured in this morning’s fight at Koki, in the nation’s capital. Sadly, one of the injured has died from bullet wounds.
Eyewitnesses alleged that police who responded to the fight, open fired on the crowd. The man was a victim to that.
The fight broke out as early as 8, between Kuima Security Guards and residents at Koki.
It initially started after a taxi driver refused to listen to a Kuima Security Guard and remove his vehicle from an unauthorized parking area. Eyewitnesses said the argument escalated and the cab driver attacked the security guard with a machete. This drew the attention of other security guards, who mobilized against the taxi driver.
Residents in the area then stepped in to help the taxi driver, and the fight escalated.
The traveling public was affected as police arrived and blocked off road access at the Koki market vicinity.
Nearby schools, fuel stations, the markets and nearby businesses closed shop.
Member for Moresby South Justine Tkatchenko said the matter will be followed up with authorities. He urged the injured to get full medical reports and demand compensation.
He said the fight was started by people who did not reside there, but locals were injured instead.
Tkatchenko said, “We will make sure that those police involved in the shooting are held accountable. I am not happy in the manner the police have handled the situation where innocent people have been shot and severely injured.”
The traveling public has been urged to take precaution when traveling through Koki as tension is still high.