PNG Police Contain Fight at Koki Market, Investigation Underway

PNG police have contained a brief fight that erupted at the Koki area in Port Moresby early this morning, with officers now investigating the cause of the disturbance around the Koki Vegetable Market.

 PNG Police Contain Fight at Koki Market, Investigation Underway/Photo supplied

National Capital District Metropolitan Superintendent Warrick Simatab confirmed that the altercation involved residents living around the Koki settlement and was triggered by a misunderstanding between a man from Hela Province residing in the area and members of the Wanigela community also living there.

He said police reports indicated the main instigator is believed to be from Hela Province, and officers are currently working to identify the individual so that he can be arrested and charged accordingly.

According to Superintendent Simatab, the fight lasted only several minutes before more than three police units moved in quickly to disperse the crowd and restore order. Police also advised community leaders present at the scene to provide the names of those who took part in the violence.

He further stated that police would determine whether the alleged instigator is residing in a location subject to eviction, adding that authorities have received information about possible illegal settlers occupying land that does not belong to them.

Superintendent Simatab said police would verify the information and, if necessary, carry out eviction procedures as soon as possible while continuing investigations into the incident.

He also commended officers for their swift response, saying their actions helped protect lives and property in the Koki area, while acknowledging the presence of Port Moresby South leaders who conducted awareness and urged the crowd to stop the fighting and surrender suspects to police, adding, “Police will identify if the person who instigated the fight resides in an area that needs eviction. The police will move in and carry out the eviction as soon as possible.”