Man killed over land dispute

A 26-YEAR-OLD man died on the way to hospital in Lorengau after his left hand was slashed with a bush knife last Wednesday.
Manus police commander, Chief Insp David Yapu said that Paul Lemen, from Tetidu’s Kawalip village, died from heavy loss of blood.
Yapu said Leman was quarrelling with two brothers, Christopher, 22 and Popoi Benedict Keer, 20, from Buyang village over an outstanding land dispute.
“Christopher then slashed Leman with a bush knife on the left hand,” Yapu said.
Leman was rushed to the hospital.
When Leman’s relatives heard of the death, they went and burnt down the house of the suspects’ parents.
“Police also rushed to the fire scene and stopped the angry relatives and the house occupants from taking the law into their hands,” Yapu said.
He said police intervention had stopped the people from damaging more properties in the village and injuring people of the two grieving groups.
“Let the police deal with the murder and the torching of the house,” he said.
“We have already arrested the murder suspects who will be appearing in the Manus district court today.”