Killings, robbery mar celebrations

By JAYNE SAFIHAO 
INDEPENDENCE Day celebrations in Madang on the weekend were marred by a K100,000 armed robbery and two deaths in separate incidents, according to police.
A police spokesman said the armed robbery took place at  JKT Trading where the manager was in the process of depositing takings.
He was slashed on the wrist and the money bag grabbed by more than four men who then fled in a dinghy. Police later found the empty dinghy at Yaibo Island.
On Saturday, in a hit-and-run accident at Bahor village, a 12-year-old boy attending the Lutheran Day Primary School was killed when a vehicle hit him. A senior nurse at the Modilon General Hospital on duty yesterday morning confirmed the boy’s death.
In addition, a Bundi man was stabbed by his mate from Goroka after an argument while drinking. The nurse said he died on arrival at the hospital.
She also confirmed that nine people suffered minor injuries after a 15-seater bus crashed into a drain near the RD Cannery.
Police said the driver and crew ran away leaving the passengers to fend for themselves.
In another incident the Christian Women’s Association office at the Madang waterfront was broken into and K2,000 cash plus other valuables stolen.