Soldier defends attack

By JUNIOR UKAHA
SOLDIERS attacked a home at the 5-Mile ridge settlement in Port Moresby on May 6 because police failed to apprehend a man who had earlier attacked one of their colleagues.
Injured soldier Sgt Tovoi Ted said the complaint on the attack had been lodged with police twice but they did not take any action.
The police occurrence book at the Boroko police station listed his case as No 113 of 2012.
No comments could be obtained from police.
Ted, 38, from Lufa in the Eastern Highlands, who required nine stitches to the injury on his head, said because there were no police officers around, his colleagues decided to go to the settlement and apprehend the man who attacked him.
“The soldiers did not destroy many homes as reported but only the home of the person who attacked me,” Ted said.
He said his immediate supervisor identified only as “Major Laurie” was aware of the attack on him and ordered his colleagues to “assist”.
He said the street boys were also involved in the destruction of the property in the presence of community leaders.
Ted said they returned in the afternoon and told the community leaders to hand over the suspect but they did not.
“The soldiers then on my behalf demanded compensation for my injury according to our Melanesian custom.”
The fight started when his family visited a haus krai in the area.
He said an argument over the three-year-old child of the woman between two groups of mothers developed into a fight.
“I stood in the middle and raised my hands but the suspect took a metal chair and hit me on the head,” he said.
“I was unconscious and fell down but was rescued by my wife.”
He said the people there then chased his family resulting in injuries to six people. A woman was nearly raped.
Ted said his commanding officer at Taurama Barracks was briefed about the situation. He is awaiting a report from the soldiers involved.
The community leaders promised to surrender the suspect on Saturday.