Betel nut vendors allegedly shot, injured in police pursuit

POLICE allegedly shot and injured three betel nut businessmen in a car at the 9 Mile Puma service station on Friday.
Thirteen policemen from Central allegedly drove into the station to arrest the four men inside a 10-seater vehicle at 10pm.
Lawrence Tengen told The National: “I quickly drove off because we feared the police will harass us and seize our money without any good explanation.
“They chased and started shooting at us.
“We managed to escape but bullet pellets hit my head while I was driving and my brother, Joshua Pius was injured in his right hand.”
Provincial police commander Chief Supt Johnenes Yapi said he was not informed of the incident and “I will ask my officers about it”.
“I will give a full detail of the case when the investigation report is ready,” he added.
Tenge said it was their usual routine to be in the area waiting for PMV from Gulf to be escorted to the 8-Mile Gerehu betel nut wholesale market.
“Betelnut sellers and producers have this business relationship on selling betel nuts in Port Moresby,” he added.
Both the injured were admitted to the Port Moresby General Hospital. Another victim of alleged police abuse, Thomas Pape, said he was also beaten up by the same officers when he drove into the service station.