By ANDREW ALPHONSE
THE deputy principal of Mt Hagen Technical College was attacked early yesterday morning by locals who were frustrated that the college would not accept a local student for enrolment this year.
Mt Hagen police sources reported that deputy principal Henry Mambel from Jiwaka, Western Highlands province, was trying to enter his office at about 8am when four locals armed with bush knives attacked him.
They punched him in the face and hit him on his back with the flattened-surface of the bush knives several times.
The group then seized the keys to the main administration block and other buildings before escaping.
The villagers demanded that K10,000 be given to them before they return the key.
A spokeswoman at the college confirmed the incident and said the locals were upset that a local student was not accepted to the college this year.
The source said the student sat for an entry test but did not meet the required entry marks and was advised to take a short course to prepare for further studies.
However, the student refused to take the course and got his relatives to force the college to accept him.
Police, who were called in after the attack, asked the locals to return the key but made no arrest.
The locals were demanding that the principal, John Kiale, who is currently away, to have the student enrolled.