Attack leads to burning of houses

TWO semi-permanent houses were damaged and an informal market burnt down on Monday night at Malakuna ward 5 in the Bitapaka local level government of Kokopo, East New Britain.
According to a community leader from Malakuna, Jeremiah Rovoi, the incident occurred between 8pm and 9pm.
Rovoi told The National that the cause of the incident was a son of a businessman who stopped at an informal market and threatened a group of boys.
“He said he was a policeman,” he said.
“Some of them were injured while running to hide.”
The boys recognised the man as not being a policeman and stoned the vehicle.
Rovoi said the son of the businessman went to the company’s base, mobilised some workmen and locals from the Rainau area and drove back to Malakuna on Monday night and the market was burnt and semi-permanent buildings damaged which nearly caused a “war”.
“We set roadblocks not to attack anyone but we are trying to protect our community in case they come and attack us a second time,” he said.
ENB police commander Senior Insp Joseph Tabali told the community on Tuesday night to clear road blocks to allow police to do their work.