PNG NATIONAL GENERAL ELECTIONS 2022

 

MORE COPS SENT TO AITAPE

By MIRIAM ZARRIGA of POST-COURIER

POLICE have been dispatched to Aitape after a clash between supporters of two candidates a week ago.

Police Commissioner David Manning told the Post Courier that the clash led to a rifle stolen from a police officer and used to shoot three people including a six year old child.

“Several members of the Special Services Division (SSD) have arrived into Aitape, their arrival will support a taskforce from Wewak who were sent in after the clash was reported.”

“Also supporting the two teams in Aitape is also several police personnel from Vanimo,” Commissioner Manning said.

According to reports from Police in Aitape, the three victims are recovering from the wounds sustained in the clash.

Several police officers have been injured and are recovering.

According to details received, a fight occurred between two groups both supporters of two candidates after one group swore the other group while intoxicated.

A group of men attacked the market where mothers were selling their produce and other items.

A fight ensued with one man killed in the fight.

As the fight escalated, Aitape police responded and tried to stop the fight.

Several shots were discharged into the air to try to disperse the crowd; however it only angered the fighting group.

A lone police man armed with a rifle was mobbed and assaulted; in melee the rifle he was carrying was removed.

Several shots were fired into the crowd with three shots hitting three different people.

All received wounds to their legs and thighs.

The rifle has been recovered.