Pacific / Papua New Guinea

Sporadic killings continue in PNG's Tari despite mediation

15:43 pm on 30 May 2018

Police in the capital of Papua New Guinea's Hela province say sporadic violence has continued despite tribal leaders recently agreeing to end fighting.

Tari has been the focal point for a spate of tribal fighting with around 20 people reported killed since March, in and around the town.

Police vehicle burnt in PNG's Enga province in deadly violence between Amala and Teremanda villagers, May 2018. Photo: Supplied

Hela police organised a mediation process which began early this month between all tribes involved in local fighting.

But the sergeant in charge of the Tari police post, Thomas Levongo, said two men were killed in an apparent tribal-related attack near the Ambua lodge area in the past day.

"The (tribal) leaders, they agree to stop the fight, but the individuals in the villages they have their different ways," he said.

"They ignore this, ignore this mediation and they go ahead and they kill the men."

Mr Levongo said there was another killing in Tari area earlier this week.

Tari, Papua New Guinea. Photo: RNZI / Johnny Blades

He said sporadic fighting continued and had spread out from one area.

"They, both sides, they are hunting and looking for the enemy.

"And once they have got a chance to kill, you know, they go and strike," Mr Levongo said.