The National Capital District (NCD) Metropolitan Command has strongly condemned the senseless killing of two individuals and the subsequent retaliatory violence that erupted around Gerehu and the Rainbow Cash and Carry area over the weekend.

The unrest began on Saturday, 31 October, when a 17-year-old male was allegedly robbed of his mobile phone near the Elisio Shopping Centre in Gerehu. 

In an attempt to recover the stolen property, the youth returned to the scene accompanied by his elder brother to confront the alleged perpetrators. 

The confrontation escalated into violence, resulting in the youth being fatally stabbed and his brother sustaining serious injuries.

Tensions flared the following morning, Sunday, 1 November, leading to alleged retaliatory attacks near Rainbow Cash and Carry. 

The subsequent violence resulted in the death of a second person, severe injuries to another individual, the destruction of roadside market stalls by fire, and additional property damage.

NCD Metropolitan Superintendent Warrick Simatab confirmed that police are actively investigating both incidents, noting that persons of interest have already been apprehended in connection with the initial fatal stabbing. 

Investigators are working to identify and arrest all individuals involved in both violent encounters.

Superintendent Simatab appealed directly to families, community leaders, and residents from all provinces living across Port Moresby to remain calm, exercise restraint, and cooperate fully with law enforcement. 

He urged the public not to allow individual criminal acts to devolve into broader ethnic or community-based conflicts.

In response to the unrest, the Metropolitan Command has deployed heightened police presence and high-visibility patrols throughout Gerehu, Rainbow, and surrounding neighborhoods to maintain order and safeguard lives and property.

Superintendent Simatab emphasized that police will pursue all perpetrators through the justice system, reaffirming that murder, robbery, mob violence, and acts of retaliation will not be tolerated. 

He extended his sincere condolences to the families of both deceased individuals, wished for a speedy recovery to the injured, and called on all residents to respect human life, uphold the law, and work together to keep Port Moresby safe.