National death toll in PNG’s violent riots increases to 22 people

The national death toll from violent riots in Papua New Guinea has increased to 22 after the remains of six people were found in Port Moresby yesterday.

It is understood the remains of the six people were found at two different shops in the city that were looted and set on fire.

A 14-day state of emergency is in effect in Port Moresby as authorities try to restore law and order, as well as essential services, following violent riots.

There is a fragile peace in the capital, though security firms are still warning things remain unpredictable and volatile, as Prime Minister James Marape tries to re-establish faith in the country's security and the government.

The Marape government has placed the blame over the riots squarely at the feet of the nation's police constabulary, many of whom walked off the job in protest over a payroll issue just hours before Port Moresby descended into chaos on Wednesday.

Marape has also suggested the political establishment itself could have had a role to play in this week's violence.

Already, residents across the city are struggling to access necessities and attention has now turned to shoring up supplies of essential services.

Source: RNZ