Police investigating Namatanai clash

NEW Ireland police are investigating the willful damage of properties, arson and unlawful wounding at Pire village in Namatanai on Tuesday.
Provincial police commander Felix Nebanat said two suspects had been arrested and a vehicle used to transport the offenders impounded at the Namatanai police station.
He said one of the suspects was a ward councillor of Pire village and a National Alliance (NA) party supporter.
He said according to a police report, the incident was allegedly sparked by NA supporters who attacked the supporters of the third runner-up candidate for the Namatanai Open seat and destroyed property included burning four boats.
Nebanat said there were also reports of unlawful discharge of firearms during the attack.
“These acts will be treated as criminal offences and penalties given to the offenders,” he said.
The police chief said this incident came after the governor seat had already been declared for Sir Julius Chan, a People’s Progress Party stalwart and the province had experienced a peaceful polling and counting period.
Nebanat said the incident happened less than 24 hours after the province’s election security operation was concluded.
He said police Mobile Squad 17 personnel had been sent in to maintain order in the village and assured the public that the situation had been brought under control.