TRIBAL FIGHTING INTO MT HAGEN TOWN

October 2, 2019

BY RIODAN BEGUSHAR

Tribal fighting in Western Highlands’ Dei district between the Rolgake and the Kimka tribe has now spilled onto the streets of Mt Hagen, where the enemies are attacking each other on sight.

Speaking after a man was killed opposite an automotive shop last week and a woman receiving a knife wound to her hand yesterday, allegedly by men from one of the warring tribes, provincial police commander, Chief Inspector Jacob Kamiak, said his personnel were caught off-guard and are trying to handle the new development.

“Mt Hagen is a public place; anyone can come in for shopping or business at anytime. The men from Kimka and Rolgake can’t be restricted from coming to town. When they see each other, fighting erupts,” Insp Kamiak said.

The PPC confirmed rumours that the Kimkas and the Rolgake are now resorting to attacking each other on the streets.

Mr Kamiak has called on the leaders of the Kimka and the Rolake tribe to control their men.

“Hagen city is a public place; your fight does not concerns the whole of Western Highlands,” he said.