PMV operators on strike after murder of a bus driver in Lae

THE murder of a bus driver by armed robbers in West Taraka on Thursday saw bus owners and operators going on strike in Lae the following day.
However, the buses were back on the road on Saturday, to the relief of commuters, after bus owners and operators met the police for a briefing.
A planned convoy by the bus operators to get into town to show their grievances were stopped by police at Kamkumung.
They were told to turn back.
The National was unable to get the comments from the Lae police Met Supt Chris Kunyanban.
But according to a notice from Lae Chamber of Commerce president John Byrne to business houses in the city on the strike: “As you may have heard and aware of the current PMV owners and operators on strike today (Friday) following the murder bus driver, we hereby provide you with information from the Lae Metropolitan Commander Chris Kunyanban:
“Yes, it is very unfortunate that a murder occurred as a result of an armed robbery.
“The bus owners and police met today (Friday) in West Taraka and they said the PMV buses will not work until Monday.
“Bus owners have put pressure on the police to have the suspects arrested but it is not easy as demanded.
“However, we understand how people will suffer, so we are now working hard to have those suspects arrested or having the surrendering.”