The National Court of Justice in Wabag has issued strict interim orders on Wapenamanda tribal fight following hearings last Thursday and Friday.
Resident Judge Graham Elis summoned relevant parties and individuals to appear before the hearing into ongoing tribal fighting in Wapenamanda and its impact on the Court’s work and children’s education, under section 57 of the PNG Constitution.
Justice Ellis directed the Acting Provincial Police Commander to ensure that by 4pm, Friday, 26 September, 2025, rocks on the highway in Wapenamanda and its approaches are to be cleared, and that any roadblocks not authorised by the Police should be removed.
The Court confirmed that earlier Preventive Orders remain in place against the Yakuman tribe and the Yangakin/Yangakun tribe.
The Court further ordered that no bush knife, axe, gun, or other offensive weapon is to be carried in any public place in Wapenamanda District at any time.
Police have been authorised to arrest, detain, and bring before the National Court in Wabag:
(a) anyone who breaches the Preventive Orders, as this would be contempt of Order 2; and
(b) anyone who breaches the weapons ban, as this would be contempt of Order 3.
The matter has been adjourned to 8am today (Wednesday, 1 October 2025).