Student Among Four Killed in PNG's Lae Violence; Paita Demands Tougher Laws
A Grade 7 student is among four people killed in a deadly ethnic clash in Lae that has prompted Mining Minister Rainbo Paita to call for stronger laws and tougher penalties to curb violence in urban centers.
Police reports indicate the violence erupted after a group of Engan men allegedly stole money at a liquor shop. When the matter was not resolved, one suspect was found dead in his home on Sunday, igniting retaliation from settlers.
 |
| Mining Minister Rainbo Paita |
Later, a van linked to a lodge owner allegedly rammed into a crowd of Kabwum residents at 1-Mile before several individuals were brutally attacked with bush knives. Three more people, including the student, were killed.
Minister Paita condemned the killings as barbaric and un-Christian, urging the government to urgently pass the Vagrancy Act and reopen discussions on the death penalty.
“We cannot continue turning a blind eye while our people are being slaughtered in broad daylight. Enough is enough,” he said.
Lae Police Commander Chris Kunyanban said the situation could have been prevented if local leaders had taken responsible action early on. “It is the total ignorance of community leaders from both sides that led to such an ethnic clash,” he stated.
Police have arrested the lodge owner and impounded the vehicle. The driver and two other suspects are still at large. Paita stressed that urban ethnic violence must be addressed urgently and called on the judiciary to act without compromise.
Also read
Post a Comment