Last modified on Sun 2 May 2021 17.02 EDT News broke last week about the horrific attack on two women in Port Moresby after they were accused of sorcery.
Senior leaders and police in Papua New Guinea expressed outrage that such violence was occurring in the nation’s capital. But as a researcher who investigates this type of attack, these stories are frustratingly familiar and predictable.
It’s not outrage that is required from those in positions of authority but real, concrete actions to address the problem.
Our team of researchers in Australia and PNG have just released some findings from our multi-year study of Sorcery Accusation Related Violence (SARV) which help to better understand the phenomenon being reported, as well as correcting some of the many misunderstandings surrounding this form of violence.
“Rioters and looters will be dealt with in the strongest term possible,” he said.
“Rioting and looting will never be the way the Melanesians resort, please show respect and honour during mourning.”
Onglo said the PNG and Melanesian way was to take the loss of Sir Michael Somare on Friday to heart.
Lae’s metropolitan commander Chief Inspector Chris Kunyanban said a crowd had gathered at 2-Mile outside Lae with the intention of marching to the Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium.
Police confront crowd
“Police confronted the crowd at 2-Mile and told them they were not allowed to stage such a march,” he said.