PNG Chief Justice held up in Enga

Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia was attacked in the Tsak Valley of Wapenamenda in Enga, according to Enga acting police commander Epenes Nili.
Nili told The National that Sir Salamo was returning from his Angutamanda village to Wapenamenda at midday yesterday under police escort after spending the weekend there, when the party came across a roadblock.
Another source who was with Sir Salamo confirmed the incident.
Nili said the Wapenamenda Police Station commander and his men were in front but were no match for a large group of men in what was obviously a pre-planned attack.
He said two women from Sir Salamo’s tribe had been accused of killing a leader from the nearby Aluni tribe recently through sanguma (sorcery).
He said his policemen were also attacked.
Nili said Sir Salamo’s vehicle turned back and was attacked in the process.
He said Sir Salamo returned safely to his village while police came to Wapenamenda, and with reinforcements, went and cleared roadblocks.
Nili said three of the leaders of the roadblocks were arrested but the rest fled.
“My instruction to my men is that all the perpetrators must be arrested and put behind bars for attacking the chief justice,” he said.
“My men will not rest until those perpetrators are behind bars.”
Nili said it was very unfortunate that Sir Salamo had become a victim of a sanguma accusation which was becoming prevalent in Enga.
“I totally condemn the actions of these lunatics,” he said.
“They are wild animals who do not have any respect for the chief justice of the nation.
“I call upon all local leaders to immediately hand in all those lunatics involved in this roadblock.”
The source said the vehicle Sir Salamo was travelling in was badly damaged and he suffered some injuries.
He said roadblocks were set up at four places along the road between Tsak Valley and Wapenamenda specifically to trap the chief justice.
The source said Sir Salamo was safe in the village but badly traumatised by the incident.

SOURCE: The National/PacNews