Police attacked for late response

 ANGRY villagers living near Banz town in Jiwaka, attacked police arriving to investigate an incident because the officers were late. 

The villagers had called the police last Friday night to come and stop a fight at a service station. 

Police, however, did not respond immediately. When they did arrive last Saturday morning, they were attacked.

Provincial police commander Supt Joseph Tondop said two vehicles – one belonging to the rural zones and another belonging to Minj police station – had their windscreens smashed.

Tondop said officers on night shift last Friday did not attend to the complaint quickly regarding a fight at the Banz Club.

He said the fight happened around 4am last Saturday between a businessman and others. 

One group ended up damaging a fuel station owned by the businessman.

He said police officers arrived after the service station had been damaged, making the villagers angry.

“I condemn the attack in the strongest term possible. The people have no respect for the police,” he said.

He added he would investigate why the club continued to operate and sell alcohol after hours.

“I am not happy when one club owner continues to operate and sell alcohol till the early hours of Saturday.” 

He said the officers on that night shift would face disciplinary actions.

“I have already suspended the sergeant in charge of the night shift pending further investigation,” he said.

Some people involved in the stoning of the police vehicles were arrested on Saturday.