Villagers want police, State to pay K100,000

BY PISAI GUMAR
A COMMUNITY in Lae is still living in shock over the death of two men, one a student, during a clash with police who came to investigate an arson report on Sunday
Dead were Angkef Lazarus, 28, who leaves behind a pregnant wife, and Kwane Gaius Obless, 19, who was in grade 8 last year.
Police had gone to Munum village in Wampar, Huon Gulf, Morobe to investigate the burning down of homes estimated to be worth K50,000. Councillor Sowe Doney said the people wanted K100,000 to be paid by the police and the State to cover funeral expenses.
Huon Gulf district chief executive officer Moses Wanga and his assistant Cliff Wembiong discussed the matter with provincial administrator Bart Ipambonj yesterday.
Wanga said district officials would investigate the incident and collate information for the provincial administration’s deliberation.
Ipambonj plans to send a team of officials to the village to conduct law and order awareness. Provincial police commander Alex N’Drasal said the people needed to understand what caused the problem.
“We should understand what caused the burning of homes and valuable properties leaving families homeless,” N’Drasal said.
Villagers Roy Tepo and Epof Titus said police officers who came to the village on Sunday should have first consulted the ward councillors.