Petty theft excalated into police having to use teargas

On 14 October 2008 police officers dispersed a group of men with teargas after they refused to discontinue fighting in the main Koki Market in downtown Port Moresby. In addition, police officers closed roads around the market in order to regain control of the situation. According to reports, the fight began when some of the men stole merchandise from a cigarette seller and attacked him after he demanded payment. The violence escalated when other individuals got involved and rock throwing ensued. Two men were also reportedly stabbed in the incident; the disturbances lasted for most of the day. Despite the nature of the incident that sparked the clashes, police officials claimed that the incident was a result of increasing tensions between the Tari and Goilala tribes.