31 Jul 2024 | 05:09 AM UTC
PNG: Tight security affecting Wau, Morobe Province, as of July 31, following killing of Chinese national
Increased security in Wau, Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea, as of July 31, following a fatal attack on foreign workers at a mining site.
Authorities have increased security measures in Wau, Morobe Province, as of July 31 after a fatal attack on foreign mine workers at Wido Mining Limited company premises on the afternoon of July 28. A Chinese national was killed, and four workers were injured, including two Chinese workers who remained in critical condition. While police announced the arrest of 20 suspects in Wau Town July 31, the prime suspect reportedly remains at large. The incident was reportedly driven by dissatisfaction with the presence of foreign nationals in local alluvial mining. Authorities will likely announce further details on the incident in the coming days.
Increased security is likely in the coming days as a manhunt is underway for the remaining perpetrators.
Wau is approximately 70 km (43 miles) south-southwest of Lae.
Adhere to directives issued by local authorities. Maintain contact with diplomatic missions.
In recent years, there has been increasing hostility towards the Chinese population in Papua New Guinea, who are perceived as taking jobs away from the local community and driving local companies out of business. This resentment has escalated into violence on numerous occasions.
