Three Australian pilots kidnapped in Papua New Guinea

Last week, more than 50 bodies were found beside a main road.

Port Moresby:

An Australian helicopter pilot and two other staff members were kidnapped in Papua New Guinea’s highlands, the country’s police chief said on Monday.

“Our focus is on resolving this matter as quickly as possible,” said Commissioner David Manning, who confirmed the pilot’s nationality and added that police were responding to the incident.

The pilot and two others, believed to be telecommunications workers, were taken away near Mount Sissa in central Hela province.

“The Australian High Commissioner has been informed of the matter,” Prime Minister James Marape told AFP.

He added that police “are dealing with the matter and we are moving into the area with the Defense Force”.

Papua New Guinea’s restive highlands have been rocked by a series of kidnappings and tribal violence in recent years that have left hundreds dead.

Last week, more than 50 bodies were found along a main road, the result of clashes between rival clans.

The government is under intense pressure to increase security resources in the region and address rising lawlessness.

Marape said: “I want to tell everyone that crime doesn’t pay and it will ultimately lead to the arrest or death of the criminal so thank you to the locals who are assisting the police as we speak.”

Police Chief Manning said details of the situation were still emerging, but the suspect was not believed to be from the area.

“We are working closely with community leaders,” he said.

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