Officials ‘hijack’ boxes

 By FRANCIS POKA

FOUR polling officials have been charged over the alleged hijacking of ballot boxes using government vehicles, according to Wabag provincial police commander Philip Waliya.

Aaliya said the incident happened on Saturday after  polling in the Wapenemanda LLG.

Three polling officials and one Assembly member changed the government vehicle number plate and used a private plate number to escort the ballot papers.

He said police received a tip-off and arrested the men. They were charged and granted bail. 

He said 37 boxes were counted and two were put aside disputed by candidates.

He said one policeman was also arrested in relation to the hijacking of ballot boxes and was now suspended from duty.

At Sak valley, in Wapenemanda, a vehicle overturned, resulting in minor injuries to the passengers.

Waliya said the situation in Wabag was under control and his officers were heading for Kombiam-Ambum then to Laiagam-Porgera to accompany polling officials.

He urged people not to interfere with polling officials or disturb polling by issuing threats.