A Police Criminal Investigation team has been deployed to Kiriwina in the Milne Bay Province to investigate and prepare for a coronial inquest into the fight on October 24 which has since resulted in the deaths of 24 people.
Milne Bay Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Superintendent Peter Barkie said 22 people were killed initially in a three-hour fight that broke out after an argument between the coastal and inland villages over a soccer match. Two recently succumbed to the wounds they received during the fight thereby increasing the death toll to 24.
Mr. Barkie said the police CID investigation team was deployed after the Quick Reaction Force (QRP) completed its assessment of the situation on the ground on Kiriwina Island.
Mr. Barkie said he wants the coroner to be involved because of the large number of deaths. He said this is a first of its kind on the island so he wants the court to be involved and not just the police.
“I have spoken to the senior provincial magistrate about that. My team is up in Kiriwina doing that now. Hopefully, they will get all the necessary paperwork done within 14 days,” Mr. Barkie said.
Mr. Barkie said the people from the affected villages in Kiriwina are cooperating well. Police have discussed with the villagers the need to have all the suspects surrender and they have agreed to do so.
Mr. Barkie said the villages did not destroy any government, private properties, or business houses when they fought and the fight did not involve the entire Kiriwina Island.
He said the villages affected were from the Southern part of Kiriwina Island and around Louisa station. The Central and Northern part of Kiriwina was not involved.
Mr. Barkie said that normalcy has been restored, all shops are open, government businesses continue and people are carrying on with their usual daily chores.
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