Accused of burning ballots

By MALIKAI BALANDU
A MAN involved in the Markham election-related riot appeared before a Lae Committal Court on Wednesday.
His five counts of criminal charges were read out to him before the court adjourned his case to Aug 17.
Jerry Minang, 32, from Markham’s Antiragen village in Morobe appeared before magistrate Samuel Lavutul charged with arson, malicious damage, wilful damage, damage to properties and rioting.
Lavutul read out the five charges in court so that the defendant was aware of the charges against him and explained the committal court process.
“I will read out the charges against you one more time,” he said.
“This is so that you are aware of your charges, you will be remanded in custody and you wait for the police to do a file.”
The court said Minang could apply for bail in the district court.
“You can formally apply for bail in this court,” he told Minang.
“So I advise you to lodge a proper bail application and provide three guarantors.”
Police said that on July 16, Minang was alleged to have been part of the riot that took place at Mutzing in Markham.
The riot at the time had quickly escalated which resulted in the destruction of a 20-foot shipping container containing ballot boxes and papers which were burnt.
The destruction also included damages to a brand new tractor which belonged to the Markham district services valued at K222,200.
Other properties destroyed during the riot which also belonged to the Markham district services were valued at K308, 709.81.

Sir Julius arrives to a rousing welcome

By LULU MARK
NEW Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan upon arrival in Port Moresby from Kavieng yesterday afternoon says no matter where one is, everyone must work to create a better future for the younger generation.
The plane he arrived on was accorded a ceremonial wash-down by the National Airports Corporation (NAC) before receiving a rousing welcome by the New Ireland community which included the University of Papua New Guinea’s New Ireland students.
Sir Julius, 82, with this election been his last, was given a grand welcome fitting for “the last man standing” from the Somare era at the Jacksons Airport.
He is the People’s Progress Party (PPP) leader.
“I didn’t plan my coming and didn’t expect all these (so) was surprised when the plane (received a wash-down) and then I walked on the red carpet for the first time at our own home in Port Moresby so thank you,” he said.
“I may be the last man standing right now because I am the only PPP man that got in.
“All of them are gathering at Loloata and this last man standing ‘ya nogat ples now’ (has no place to go now).
“What matters is that we create better opportunity for the younger generation of our people.”
He said UPNG students’ presence made the programme special and announced a university for New Ireland was on its way. and would be established soon.
“Me sanap long hia (I am standing here) so can you take me and put me in your heart.
“Wherever I am, I will continue to serve you. What matters is that we use whatever position we have to create better opportunity for the younger generation of our people.”

Police to investigate Sialum station incident: Singura

By JIMMY KALEBE
POLICE in Morobe are ready to investigate an attack on the Sialum station in Tewai-Siassi by supporters of a candidate on Monday night.
Morobe commander Superintendent Jacob Singura said the district headquarters was vandalised along with the Sialum local level government (LLG) office but police had been busy with election work.
He said similar things had also happened on Siassi Island where three new police houses at Bunsil were vandalised along with the LLG chamber.
“The health post at Semo also came under attack,” he said.
“These is the aftermath of the election and is the same across the nation but we will give our best to investigate the incidents and have those responsible arrested and charged.”
According to Singura, threats were made to public servants in the district and there were cases of arson, break and enter and stealing.
Tewai-Siassi chief executive officer Sam Engam’s house at Sialum was also ransacked on Tuesday night and valuable items were stolen by youths.
He warned community leaders in Sialum and Siassi LLGs to make sure such were under control and minimised, describing the incidents that happened as the work of the cowards.

Eight arrested over illegal roadblocks in Kokoda

By HELEN TARAWA
SPECIAL forces on election security operations in Northern have arrested eight men who are now in police custody in Popondetta for staging illegal roadblocks along the Kokoda Highway.
Provincial police commander Chief Insp Ewai Segi said that the youths had blocked the highway and were illegally collecting money from motorists.
Segi said a formal complaint was lodged at the election counting centre where the special forces responded and apprehended the suspects.
“The youths were taken into custody and are now processed,” hge said.
“They had set up illegal roadblocks and were checking the motorists travelling to Kokoda.”
Segi said the youths were acting in retaliation over the death of a young man in the Kokoda local level government (LLG) area.
He said the case was reported to police who were in the process of carrying out investigation.
Segi added that there was no need for the youths to take the law into their own hands.
“We cannot subjugate our efforts in addressing such incidents as the cases are many,” he said.
“I warn the youths and people along the highway not take the law into their own hands by setting up roadblocks which are illegal under the Transport-Infrastructure Act and related laws.”
“I also appeal to the people living along the highway corridor to respect the laws and address such incidents within the context of the laws.”