PNG Chamber condemns attack on business in Kokopo

THE Papua New Guinea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PNGCCI) has condemned the attack on a business in Kokopo, East New Britain this week.
The attack on a retail outlet resulted in the death of an employee by a group of armed men.
A video of this attack had since been widely circulated on social media.
According to East New Britain police commander Chief Insp Joseph Tabali, 10 men armed with two homemade guns and weapons such as bush knives stormed the TBT Super Market on Monday, at about 8.30am and held up workers and the Asian owner-manager Weng Zagu.
He said Weng tried to stop the robbers and was shot in the head and died instantly. The robbers fled with a cash register containing K1,000, a box containing K500 in coins and cigarettes worth K1,500.
Chamber president Ian Tarutia condemned the attack.
“The PNGCCI condemns the actions in Kokopo that have led to the death of an employee of a local business,” he said.
“Businesses play a crucial role in providing services and support to local communities in terms of employment where they operate.
“There should not be any reason why businesses should come under attack, anywhere in the country.
“This attack came at a time when many businesses around the country are struggling to operate to provide essential services, in light of stricter measures put in place.