Transport slow today on Hula–Pom route amid safety concerns

Public transport services between Hula in Central Province and Port Moresby were affected today following tensions in the village, although travel has not been officially restricted.

Only a handful of PMVs travelled into Port Moresby with passengers today, as many commuters chose to stay back due to safety concerns.

The situation follows heightened tensions in Hula after a violent incident linked to the burial of a young woman.

The unrest stems from the death of a young woman of mixed Central and Enga parentage, who allegedly died three weeks after being assaulted by her boyfriend late last year.

During the burial over the weekend, two houses belonging to relatives of the suspect were set on fire. In retaliation, villagers and members of the suspect’s family burned two unmarked police vehicles that were part of the burial convoy. Police later intervened and escorted the deceased’s family to safety.

Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police and NCD–Central Commander Benjamin Turi confirmed that the young woman was the daughter of a police officer. He said all suspects involved in the violence have been identified and are expected to be brought to the Central Provincial Police Headquarters at Gordons for arrest and formal charging.

ACP Turi expressed disappointment over the destruction of police property.

Meanwhile, Central Provincial Police Commander Joseph Salle said the deceased woman’s family had lodged a complaint last year following the alleged assault, but the suspect had been evading police. He said the Criminal Investigation Division will investigate both the woman’s death and the arson incidents.