On August 2 (local time), a serious tribal conflict broke out in the Boundary Road area of Lae, Papua New Guinea’s second-largest city, resulting in the deaths of four people, including a school student. Local police and relevant authorities have launched an investigation and increased security presence in the area.
According to Morobe Provincial Police Commander Chris Kunyanban and Provincial Administrator Max Bruten, the incident claimed the lives of three adult men and a male Grade 7 student from Haikoast Primary School. The incident has heightened tensions in the surrounding communities, prompting the temporary closure of several schools and the evacuation of some residents.
Preliminary police investigations indicate that the conflict stemmed from a theft that occurred on Friday, August 1. Four men from the Kabwum area were allegedly involved in the theft of cash while purchasing alcohol at Skyline Lodge, located on Boundary Road in Lae. The lodge is owned by a person from Enga Province.
The situation escalated on Saturday. According to Kunyanban, a heated dispute broke out after demands were made for the stolen money to be returned. The lodge owner then reportedly drove to the residence of the suspects and allegedly struck three of them with his vehicle. The three were later attacked with a knife and sustained fatal injuries.
Police confirmed that the vehicle involved has been impounded and the driver is currently in custody undergoing further questioning. Two other suspects involved in the incident remain at large, and police are intensifying efforts to locate them.
Morobe Provincial Administrator Max Bruten expressed deep concern over the incident and strongly condemned the violence. He emphasized that both theft and retaliatory killings constitute serious breaches of the rule of law. He urged police to expedite the investigation and ensure all perpetrators are held criminally accountable.
“I do not tolerate killing, and I do not accept anyone taking the law into their own hands. Justice must be served through legal processes,” Bruten stated.
Lae Police Chief Kunyanban noted that the conflict could have been avoided. He stressed that if the Kabwum community had cooperated by handing over the suspects to police, or if the lodge owner had chosen to report the incident rather than retaliate, the situation might not have escalated into tribal violence. He called on community elders and leaders to actively fulfill their social responsibilities by helping to resolve disputes and supporting law enforcement.
“This is a classic example of a criminal case spiraling into a tribal conflict. We have launched a full investigation, and all those responsible—whether for the killings or the theft—will be held accountable under the law,” Kunyanban said.
Police have since increased patrols in the affected area to prevent further escalation. Law enforcement is working closely with community leaders to mediate tensions and is urging all parties to remain calm and refrain from retaliatory acts.
