Family petitions over killing of Imbonggu man in Port Moresby
The Olgai/Welali tribesmen of Imbonggu District, Southern Highlands Province, have lodged a formal petition over the killing of 30-year-old father of three, Stanley Kera, in Port Moresby on September 14, 2026.
The petition was received today by Assistant Commissioner of Police and NCD Central Commander Benjamin Turi.
It is addressed to the Sugu Valley people of Kagua-Erave District, Southern Highlands, and the Purani people of Koroba-Kopiago District, Hela Province.
According to the petition, the killing followed a conflict on September 6 between the Purani people of South Koroba and the Sugu Valley people, in which a Purani man was killed.
The petition alleges that, in retaliation, Purani men mistakenly targeted and killed Kera, who was not involved in the earlier conflict.
Police confirmed the attackers were allegedly looking for people from Kagua, but Kera was from Imbonggu and was not involved in the dispute. No arrests have been made.
Tribal leader and former Kumul Telikom Holdings Limited Managing Director Jessie Wangua described Kera as “an innocent man caught between a fight involving two other groups.”
He said Kera had been in Port Moresby for only eight days and was preparing to travel to Australia under the Labour Mobility program.
“Stanley has left behind three children, a heavy burden now carried by his widow,” Mr Wangua said.
The petition outlines four key demands:
- Cooperation with police – Sugu Valley and Purani leaders must present those involved in the September 6 conflict and issue a public statement within seven days.
- Public undertaking – A guarantee of no further action against either group.
- Compensation – K500,000 in cash and 200 pigs, payable in two stages, with Bel Kol within 30 days and full compensation within six months.
- Formal response – A response is required within seven days of receiving the petition.
Mr Wangua stressed that compensation cannot replace criminal prosecution and said the family reserves its constitutional and legal rights, including pursuing remedies through the courts, Parliament and the media if the petition is ignored.
He said the petition calls on both groups to cooperate with law enforcement and honour custom to seek justice for Kera and prevent further loss of innocent life.
Meanwhile, Kera’s body is expected to arrive at his home in Walume Junction on friday.