Police in the Papua New Guinea province of Morobe have been given orders to shoot to kill as patrols are stepped up along the Highlands Highway, following an upsurge in crime.
The Post Courier reports the Provincial police commander Giossi Labi announced the measure following an increasing number of armed hold-ups of motorists.
Last week the Morobe Governor Luther Wenge called for greater security at the Nadzab airport and a bigger police presence along the Highlands Highway.
People rushing to catch early morning and late evening flights have been attacked by armed youths.
Superintendent Labi says 15 police officers will be deployed to perform regular patrols along the road.
He says they will target youths who are armed with bushknives or guns loitering near the road.
