“They ran with machetes to chop our policemen”: Turi defends Two-Mile Hill eviction

The eviction of settlers at Two-Mile Hill in Port Moresby has already been carried out, with heavy machinery clearing the area following violent incidents and long-standing law and order problems.

Assistant Commissioner of Police, NCD and Central Commander, Benjamin Turi, told NBC in an exclusive interview that the area has a long history of serious crime and attacks on the public.

“Trust me, that area is known for a lot of deaths back in some 30 plus years ago,” Turi said.

He said travellers and motorists had been targeted for years, and recent attacks forced authorities to act.

“Last week, a Bangladesh was, I mean, it was chopped up… they slashed his palm,” ACP Turi referred to a recent incident involving a foreign national.

He said police officers were also attacked while patrolling the area on Saturday night, forcing police to delay action until daylight on Sunday, yesterday.

“So it was dark, so we did not move in until the morning,” he said.

Turi said NCD Governor Powes Parkop and Member for Moresby South Justin Tkachenko, through NCDC enforcement, directed police to move in and clear the settlement, confirming the land belongs to the State.

“That area is State land,” ACP Turi said.

He confirmed the land was set aside for a housing project under the National Housing Corporation.

“And now it’s clear,” he said.

ACP Turi said even after the eviction, police officers came under attack again.

“They ran straight with bush knifes or machetes to chop our policemen,” he said.

He confirmed that all houses have now been removed and the area is empty.

“All the houses down and trees down. So there is no people from that area. So it’s safe to travel up and down,” ACP Turi said.

However, police presence will remain in surrounding areas until calm is fully restored.