K100,000 paid as compensation over death of Poroma man

The National National

THE people of Angore in Hela have paid K100,000 compensation as a bel kol money to the people of Poroma in the Southern Highlands over the death of one of their tribesmen.
This compensation demand has resulted in the release of 10 trucks owned by Trans Wonderland Limited carrying LNG cargos held up at Poroma since Nov 15.
Hela police commander Michael Welly said the deceased tribesman, Naso Philip, was killed in a road accident involving a vehicle driven by a man from Angore.
“The Poroma people demanded K3million in compensation but this was just too much and we have advised both parties to show some common sense and respect each other to come up with a reasonable demand and for the other side to compensate them as well.”
Welly said Trans Wonderland Ltd and its managing director Larry Andagali were innocent parties but were held at ransom and suffered huge losses.
The K100,000 cash was given to Welly at Tari to present to the people of Poroma in the Southern Highlands on Monday and 100 pigs were expected to be given as part of the compensation on Friday.
Both parties declared that TWL or Larry Andagali personally had nothing to do with the accident and the vehicles were released.
The relatives of late Nason gave an assurance that they would not interfere with TWL operations along the road in future.
A disappointed Andagali said such criminal action must never be entertained in future.
“Law enforcement urgencies must maintain the law of the land by establishing order in the communities.
“I have been informed through reliable sources that some politics was involved in this extortion and I am dumbfounded that not even one Hela politician has made a comment condemning such actions.
“It is so sad to see this demonstration of immaturity which is not good for the stability of our two provinces,” Andagali said.
He thanked Welly and Southern Highlands police commander Joseph Tondop for resolving the issue so that there would be lasting peace on the road for businesses and the travelling public.