Tolukuma Landowner Association Chairman George Gusi has rejected media reports claiming that landowners threatened to shut down the Tolukuma Gold Mine following the deaths of two Goilala men at 15 Mile on October 30.

Mr. Gusi clarified that the incident occurred within the Port Moresby city limits—outside Central Province—and was entirely unrelated to the mine's operations. He emphasized that landowners have no intention of disrupting work at the site.

Furthermore, Mr. Gusi stated that reports suggesting landowners had threatened a shutdown were false and did not reflect the views of the mine’s direct landowners.

While he welcomed Central Governor Rufina Peter’s public call for authorities to expedite investigations and bring those responsible to justice, Mr. Gusi noted that the Governor and her executive had not consulted the landowners to hear their perspective on the killings.

According to Mr. Gusi, the two victims were from the exploration and corridor areas rather than the mine’s direct landowner groups. Consequently, he reiterated that their deaths do not pose any threat to ongoing mine operations.

While supporting the call for a thorough police investigation, Mr. Gusi highlighted the urgent need to support the victims' families, noting that their deaths have left their wives and children facing an uncertain future.

He urged authorities to look beyond legal justice and consider long-term welfare support for the grieving families. He also called on police and Hela leaders to explore avenues to take responsibility for the welfare of the victims’ dependents.

Finally, Mr. Gusi urged Tolukuma mine operators, partners, and stakeholders not to be misled by unverified reports and to maintain normal operations for the benefit of both the landowners and the country.

He also appealed to the people of Goilala and local landowners to refrain from taking the law into their own hands, urging them instead to cooperate with the police and allow the legal process to take its course.