Protesters burn new vehicle and attack guests

By PISAI GUMAR
PROTESTING shareholders burnt a new K400,000 vehicle belonging to landowner company Sai Business Group at Yawawa in the Watut area of Bulolo, Morobe, on Thursday,
They threw stones at guests invited to an event and damaged vehicles.
Bulolo chief executive Tae Gwambelek condemned the criminal act. “I condemn the act and urge police to apprehend the leaders who incited the incident to ensure justice prevails,” he said.
“My sincere apologies to the visitors.”
Gwambelek and guests from the government and private sector, including the media, were attending the delivery of the group’s five new vehicles, the launch of its five-year development plan and business logo when the incident occurred. The occasion turned rowdy and violent when the locals protested and demanded that company directors present the financial report of K10 million and pay them their share.
Police arrived and controlled the situation, but the locals burnt the vehicle and threw stones at visitors.
Gwambalek said group chairman Menos Ackrish had told the gathering that the shareholders would be paid ex-gratia after the launch and only when they had been properly identified.
Ackrish, company executives and visitors were attacked when locals blocked off the wet crossing, broke windscreens and threw stones. The new vehicle crashed and was left hanging at the bridge. It was smashed, pushed down the river and burnt.
Ackrish said K900,000 worth of damage was caused and called on the police to arrest those responsible.