Shops, stores shut for fear of looters

ALL business houses in Mt Hagen city closed yesterday for fear of looting.
On Wednesday, an outlet of the OSK chain of shops at Hagen Plaza was looted by opportunists during rioting by Hagen Park Secondary School students in the city.
Shop owner James Im told The National yesterday he lost K500,000 worth of goods and K3000 from the cash register.
Im said he had fully restocked the shop before the opportunists broke open the gate to gain entry and help themselves to the goods.
He said the thieves emptied all the shelves and even the store room.
“In my store, I sell shoes, solar panels and fittings, clothes, ear rings, flex cards, and Top kad for bmobile.”
He said that his two vehicles parked outside had all their screens smashed.
Im said his hair salon store located on the top floor of AGC building had its wall glass smashed, but it was not looted.
“I am totally shocked when I saw my shop in a mess and things lying here and there.”
Im said that he could not understand why his shop was targeted.
Provincial police commander, Chief Supt Martin Lakari confirmed the looting.
Lakari said that OSK shop was the only one looted; more shops were targeted by opportunists but police prevented them from further looting.
He said police were now monitoring the movement of people in the city, adding that the city was gradually returning to normal.
He appealed to the people to respect businesses houses and government institutions in the city.