Rampage in Mt Hagen

By JILL MIRR and PETER WARI
AN armed mob went on a rampage in Mt Hagen forcing the city to a standstill yesterday after a Southern Highlands man was murdered last week.
Wielding bush knives, axes and other weapons, bystanders ran helter-skelter as they damaged business houses and attacked people along the Highlands Highway from Kagamuga leading into the city.
The onslaught started out of nowhere as the armed mob grew in numbers and forced the city into a shutdown.
Traffic was difficult to control as panic reigned and dozens of vehicles were damaged by the armed mob.
Even grieving relatives of the man from Mendi who was killed were not spared from attack while repatriating the body as the mob ran amok along their path.
Most business houses have suffered heavy losses due to damage to properties and many bystanders sustained injuries.
Mt Hagen Hospital could not be reached for comments yesterday on the casualties.
PNG Motors Mt Hagen branch was among the business houses that was attacked by the mob.
Its business development and marketing manager Stephen Lane told The National that the rampage started out of nowhere, leaving the staff traumatised with damaged property.
“They hurled rocks into our premises, causing extensive destruction,” he said.
“Four showroom vehicles were damaged and windows were smashed.
“Our staff and security personnel were stunned and they took off early and for tensions to cool down.
“Other properties and vehicles parked outside, and passing cars, were also damaged.
“The question now being asked by the public is who will pay for the damage? It is a total disaster.”
Provincial police commander Chief Suprintendent Joe Puri could not be reached for comments.
Mt Hagen highway patrol officer Sergeant Simon Kik told The National that it was a sad day for many innocent people who were caught by surprise.
“They ran in all directions, fleeing from the armed mob,” he said.
“Street vendors lost everything and the elderly tripped and fell while trying to flee from the mob.”
Kik could not confirm whether there were any fatal cases.
“I am in no position to comment on the sudden incident,” he said.
“A man was killed in a lodge a few weeks ago.
“We believe that sparked the rampage.”
Kik confirmed that many buses, taxis and private vehicles were damaged.
“Everyone was caught by surprise,” he said.
“The convoy of vehicles repatriating the body and vehicles on either side had to steer into any available space to escape the mob.”