Families homeless after homes torched

SEVERAL families in Mendi, Southern Highlands, are homeless after their homes were torched last week following a fight after drunkards insulted a man on his way to town, police commander chief supt Martin Lakari.
Lakari said quick actions by police led to the arrest of the suspect and brought the situation under control.
He said the incident started when the commuter was confronted by a drunkard youth, identified as Bata Pombre, who swore at him.
Lakari said the man stoped his vehicle and assaulted the youth.
He said Pombre’s relatives retaliated by raiding Tente village, resulting in several homes being burnt down.
Lakari said police arrested Pombre and was in custody at the Mendi police station.
“I want to call the young people who are consuming home-brew or smoking marijuana to think twice because their actions are getting out of hand,” he said.
“People who are drinking beer are behaving well but those that are taking homebrew are becoming strangers and this behaviour has to stop.”
He said attitude problem was a hindrance for the people to face better lives.
Lakari said the incident was not related to the local level government election.
Meanwhile, Lakari said the LLG election in Southern Highlands was peaceful and thanked the people for maintaining peace and for taking part meaningfully in the election.