THE Bank South Pacific branch in Mendi, Southern Highlands province, almost went up in flames on Tuesday night, when its walls were set on fire.
Police said a small section of the bank’s walls was burnt.
It was believed rain may have put the fire out.
Deputy controller of the State of Emergency Chief Supt Norman Kambo said: “We are investigating this matter and the law will be applied firmly on those responsible.”
He said security patrols would be beefed up in the precincts of Mendi town to clamp down on people loitering at night.
Mr Kambo said with the election approaching, people could easily become anxious and hyped up.
Meanwhile, in another incident, three villagers from Poroma in Nipa were wounded following a scuffle with troops, who went in search of a high powered rifle in the possession of a former politician.
The incident happened last Monday, when some villagers allegedly tried to grab a rifle off a soldier resulting in a scuffle.
The scuffle with the soldier caused the firearm to go off wounding a villager.
Another two were shot in the legs by the soldiers, when the villagers retaliated.