Police probe PMV hold up in Wewak

 A WEWAK-bound PMV truck from the west coast was held up near Manglara by armed men who took an undisclosed amount of money and other valuables yesterday.

Wewak police station commander Chief Insp Sakawar Kasieng said police had received the report on the incident and were investigating.

West coast community leaders have condemned the attack and called on the surrounding villagers to assist police in bringing those responsible to justice.

Wewak MP executive officer Alois Walsamis said: “About five men armed with a Winchester shotgun, an air gun and bush knives stopped a PMV from Woginara village as it was about to leave after a brief stop-over on the road near Wewak for passengers to relieve themselves and pay their fares between 7am and 8am.

“The armed men then diverted the truck into an old logging road and robbed the passengers with the crew before escaping on foot into the jungle.”

Youths from the area are looking for the robbers in the bush and will help police in their investigation.