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 Losuia station. The Central and Northern part of Kiriwina were 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.
(Photographs and captions below. Photographs courtesy of Water Police.)
The Water Police team to Alotau on board MV Baki II show presence at Kaibola, Milne Bay province. On the horizon is a cruise ship which will now be making regular stops in Milne Bay.
Police personnel being deployed to investigate the fight. First Constable Mark was deployed with Mobile Squad Members to the outer island whilst Constable Jonathan Kaile was deployed inland with members of the Criminal Investigation Division team.
Members of the Police Quick Response Force team at Sinaketa and Kaduwaga Aid Post getting particulars of persons of interest who were admitted and treated there. Particulars of five POIs obtained before the team proceeded back to the base at Losuia.
Police units on the ground, including CID, Members of Mobile Squad 3, the Quick Response Force from Alotau and Water Police assisting with the investigation into the fight of October 24.