Market closed after vendors attack officers

 THE National Capital District Commission has closed the Hohola Market after police reservists were attacked by vendors on Monday.

NCDC Urban Safety Division director Paul Komboi urged vendors to sell their produce at other markets in the city.

Komboi said the confrontation happened on Monday when vendors threw stones and vegetables at NCD reserve police officers who were on a routine patrol to check betel nut vendors. Two officers received minor injuries. 

“These vendors have to be mindful of their actions. Now we have no choice but to close the market,” Komboi said.

He said they would take tough action to ensure that the city’s betel nut ban was enforced. 

NCD Reserve Police commander Tom Pali said vegetable and betel nut vendors would now have to find other markets designated by the city authority to sell their goods. 

“Vegetable vendors can go to Gordon, Waigani or Manu markets and the betel nut vendors can use the designated buai market at Tokarara,” Pali said.

“The market here is closed now until the city council decides what to do with the empty area.”

On Tuesday, the NCDC put in place a K500 spot fine for betel nut chewers caught in public places.