Death prompts march

WOMEN in the Wampar local level government (LLG) area in Morobe are calling on authorities to control crime in the area, a representative says.
Spokesperson Mary Sual said the call was made in a petition to the provincial and local level governments, police and landowners for a permanent police station to be built in their area and for more police personnel to be posted there.
They also called on landowners to control the number of settlers in the area.
The women marched from the Nadzab market to the LLG headquarters on Friday to present their petition.
The march was prompted by the death of Lavin Epof, a local woman, three weeks ago. Epof was allegedly raped and killed and her naked corpse dumped along the Highlands Highway near Nadzab.
Sual said the killer or killers showed a lack of respect or remorse in their actions against a female and this showed that the area was no longer safe for women.
She said illegal activities like the consumption of drugs and homebrews, fighting, and prostitution were also on the rise and had to be addressed effectively by authorities.
“We are concerned for our lives, our safety and freedom,” she said.
Rural police commander Chief Insp John Daviaga received the petition and agreed that Wampar needed a police station which was manned by an adequate number of police personnel with vehicles and equipment.
“Nadzab will develop into a township of its own soon; our concern is that law and order issues hinder development,” he said.
Chief Insp Daviaga said a family and sexual violence office had to be established at the police station.
Ward 17 councillor Bill Justin said landowners would work with the development committee and subcommittee to establish bylaws as suggested in the petition.
He also agreed on the need for a full time welfare officer representing women in the council chamber.
Police say Epof’s death was being investigated and called on those with information to assist police with their investigation.