Hunt for PNG killers intensifies Papua New Guinea villagers have 48 hours to catch the bandits responsible for murdering two guides and injuring their Australian and New Zealand companions, local officials say. The comments come as police prepare to mount a manhunt along the Black Cat Trail, in Morobe province, to capture the six armed thieves. Guides Kuia Kerry and Matthew Lasong were killed when the men attacked the camp on Tuesday. "If nothing eventuates after 48 hours, police will use all means with force to trap criminals," Salamua local level government manager Joe Paru told villagers on Thursday. Black Cat Trail association chairman Ninga Yawa appealed for logistical support to track down the bandits. "Those responsible must be caught," he said. We need assistance from the government, we need assistance to fund a major police response. The Port Moresby based The National Newspaper also reported Mr Paru last week diffused tension between two of the alleged bandits and two of the group's porters. Police commissioner Tom Kulunga on Friday flew to the provincial capital, Lae, to be briefed on the manhunt. Up to 20 police - including the feared and heavy handed mobile squad - are also being sent to the area, a police spokesman told AAP. The spokesman says police are investigating whether there was a personal motive to the attack. The seven Australians and one New Zealander who survived the attack returned to Cairns on Thursday. Among them was Mackay man Nick Bennett, who suffered a head wound in the attack. I've seen some things in my life. This was too graphic to describe," he told ABC radio. The whole thing unfolded over 20 minutes to half-an-hour. This wasn't just a quick hit as you would normally expect from a robbery. This was wanton butchery. Mr Bennett said he'd been told by locals on the ground the primary suspects were three prison escapees, including one who'd previously murdered two people. "The key suspects at the moment, from what we've been told, are three escapees living in and around the villages that were known, one of who had murdered two people," he said. What's loosely called the police over there hadn't really picked up on that. It was acknowledged these three were around and it's believed they're the ones that perpetrated it. A spokesman for PNG Trekking Adventures, who ran the Black Cat trail tour, told AAP the company will release a statement on Monday. Trek leader Christie King - the only woman on the tour - has been praised for her bravery during the attack. The bandits hit Ms King with the side of a bush knife when she identified herself as the leader, as they didn't believe her. After the attack Ms King led part of the group on a five-and-a-half hour trek to Wau village, literally following the route of their attackers. PNG's Prime Minister Peter O'Neill has warned those responsible face the death penalty, and says the incident has harmed his nation's tourist industry.