Cops searching for officer

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By CLIFFORD FAIPARIK
POLICE are looking for Northern administrator Trevor Magei who allegedly mobilised his relatives to burn down 36 houses during Prime Minister James Marape’s visit last Tuesday, acting Southern commander Chief Supt Rigga Neggi says.
“While Marape was at Afore station in Ijivitari to launch the Managalas carbon pilot project, in neighbouring Sohe, a mob allegedly comprising Magei’s relatives fully armed with guns burnt down houses at the Double Cross Settlement.
“About 300 families were made homeless.
Although Magei was with northern commander Chief Insp Daniel Yangen to accompany Marape at Afore station, he (Magei) never mentioned it to Yangen,” he added.
Chief Supt Neggi said yesterday that Magei was accused of mobilising his relatives to burn down the houses after five suspects from the settlement allegedly stoned his vehicle at 8pm on Aug 21.
“Magei reported the attack to the police the next day and police gave the settlers 24 hours to surrender the suspects responsible for the attack,” he said.
“That 24 hours ended at 4.06pm on Tuesday. But while waiting for the surrender, Magei without informing police, allegedly mobilised his people and raided the settlement, burning down the houses.”
Chief Supt Neggi said the victims and the entire community then set up a roadblock, burning tyres along the Popondetta-Kokoda Highway.
“Police were sent in to clear the roadblock but the community did not heed police orders and Chief Insp Yangen had to attend himself to clear the roadblock and the situation is back to normal”.
“Magei had met the community leaders at the Popondetta police station with Chief Insp Yangen on Friday. Magei had assured that he would not be responsible to provide food and shelter to the victims.
“The community has been urged to surrender the five suspects who stoned and damaged Magei’s vehicle. And Magei and his relatives accused of burring down the houses must also surrender to the police for questioning,” he added.