Residents of Port Moresby's Nine-Mile settlement have been urged to help Papua New Guinea police find those responsibile for interfering with the late Sir Brian Bell's grave at the local cemetery.
A day after the pioneer businessman's body was laid to rest last Thursday, his grave was dug up and the coffin opened by thieves in search of valuables.
The Post Courier newspaper reports that Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare, union president Michael Malabag and other leaders have voiced their disgust at the incident.
Sir Michael says he's deeply saddened by the incident which reflects a breakdown in traditional PNG values.
He has called on the police to work closely with the Nine-Mile community to ensure that those responsible are apprehended.