Port Moresby

These two sides of Hanuabada have been united in the face of tragedy.

Police from the Waigani Police Station acting upon information went into Tatana village around 7pm that same evening and arrested two suspects namely, Anapa Resena aged 23 years and Siyen Kevin aged 22 years.

Both suspects voluntary surrendered and were taken to Waigani cells to be locked up and are awaiting further investigation. The other three suspects are known and will be arrested soon.

Both suspects are believed to be among a group of five men who attacked Captain Malakai Sijou on October 7^th.

Taxi owner Timothy Kange owns and has been operating his own taxi for the last four years. He says with the introduction of these new groups of taxis and companies, individual taxi owners and operators like himself are losing many good customers.

Kange, who owns a small Toyota Camry, said he had ventured into the business in the hopes of earning a small income to look after his family.

He usually operates through faithful customers who call him when his services are needed; this used to be the case for the past three years until now.

The fight, which started on Sunday, claimed the lives of two people while several injuries were also reported.

The incident was allegedly instigated by a woman vendor at one of the community markets just near the settlement.

However, since yesterday, the situation at the area between the Gerehu Yumi Yet compound has been contained.

This was revealed by the Gerehu police station commander (PSC), Robert Kurei.

The PSC noted that on Monday, both parties from the Hagen and Pangia communities agreed to let police handle the situation.

NCDC market planning and contract supervisor, Rex Kuman, says the Gordon market will be boasting a two-storey structure and an extension of the former market area.

The Gordon market was able to cater for at least a hundred vendors at one time. However, after the reconstruction, the facility should be able to hold at least 500 vendors.

When queried on security and how the market was deemed a no-go zone for Port Moresby resident, Kuman revealed that this was one of the major reasons behind its development plan.

NCD metropolitan superintendent, Commander Ben Turi, says police have gotten intel that criminals steal vehicles then restyle them.

The new-look vehicles are then sold to unsuspecting buyers.

When this transaction takes place, the buyer becomes an accomplice.

Turi says it is unwise to purchase illegally – when vehicles are sold without proper documents, it only means that it has been stolen and people should refrain from buying them.

One of the attractions would be the low pricing of the vehicles.

The unity march begun this morning at the Sir Hubert Murray stadium and ended at the Paga Hill Ring Road, where the two-day Street festival will be held.

Stalls have been set up that will go with traditional singsing and fun games.

Independence celebrations are also held at the Unagi Oval at Gordon, where city residents will be entertained by various local artists, including Dadigii, Lista Serum, Wild Pack and Junior K-Mala, among others.

Vendors have taken to the streets of Port Moresby in anticipation of the country’s 41st Independence.

Black, red and gold retail merchandise are being seen to be found at every turn of the corner, coupled with the flags of the 22 provinces in various sizes.

A good number of young boys including some older aged adults were seen walking around, some standing at traffic lights along the Waigani drive, bus stops and main market areas, giving commuters the opportunity to get a flag for K2 or K5.

The one week expo started on Monday, August 14, and will end on Friday, August 18.

The event has seen a number of tertiary institutions set up booths at the school hall where students visit. These participants include three universities and mostly private institutions.

The event is organised and coordinated yearly by a career expo committee, which is made up of a representative from each secondary school in NCD.

Loop PNG this morning observed normal flow of traffic with weekend business going about as per usual.

Although yesterday turned sour for some supporters of a winning candidate at the main six mile market, it was noted that situation has been contained by police.

Superintendent for Operations, Fred Tundu says that police have contained the situation and maintaining police presence in the area.

A few incidents of drink driving had also caused inconveniences at the main traffic lights yesterday but Tundu says it has all been taken sorted out.