Mondiai: Ops aim to curb crime

POLICE in Lae, Morobe, have launched an operation to clamp down on law and order problems in the city, Lae police metropolitan commander Nema Mondiai said yesterday.
The operation aims to clamp down on petty crimes, look for wanted suspects, clear illegal vending and put up random roadblocks, Chief Supt Mondiai said.
He said after returning from 2012 general election duties, police had beefed up manpower in the city.
“With the assistance of our police mobile squad (MS) units, we are carrying out normal routine on our general duties.
“This is to have extra police presence on the streets, round up drunkards and maintain order,” Mondiai said.
He said the city centre had been quiet but there were serious law and order issues brewing in ‘hot spot’ settlements.
Mondiai said police would move in to contain ethnic clashes, including the 15 Block incident at Kamkumung and attend to complaints in settlements.
The 15 Block incident stemmed from the death of a Chimbu woman three weeks ago who was allegedly killed by her lover from another province.
The Chimbu people retaliated and burnt down two houses belonging to the prime suspect.
A peace mediation was held later to settle the conflict.
Last Friday, Sepik people retaliated and burnt down 25 houses belonging to Chimbu people and three more houses were razed on Wednesday.
Mondiai said since the election duties were over, police would now settle down to carry out normal duties.