A Tongan missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has reportedly been injured in what appears to have been a machete attack in Papua New Guinea.
Footage circulated on social media, seen by Kaniva News, shows a man in a white shirt, smeared with what appears to be human blood, walking with one hand tightly wrapped in black cloth, apparently indicating the location of his injuries.
Facebook user, Maʻata Monu Halafihi, shared the video and photographs online showing the young man with visible injuries.
She identified him as a relative, Elder Lautaha, who was the victim of the alleged attack.
At this stage, no official details about the incident have been released.
According to Halafihi’s account, Lautaha and his missionary companion managed to escape their attacker and sought refuge at the LDS church, where they were reportedly able to find safety.
Halafihi also posted words of encouragement for the injured missionary, wishing Elder Lautaha and his companion a “speedy recovery.”
The circumstances surrounding the attack, the extent of the injuries, and the safety of other missionaries in the area remain unclear.
Kaniva News sought comment today from both the victim and LDS Church authorities, but was unable to reach them.
This is a developing story, and further updates will be published as more information becomes available.
