Teacher faces arson charge

By MIRIAM ZARRIGA
POLICE have arrested a teacher who allegedly started the fire which razed two classrooms in Wewak, East Sepik, last week.
Provincial police commander Supt Albert Beli said the incident at the primary school on Mushu Island happened in the afternoon of Monday, Jan 11.
“The fire was allegedly started by a teacher who teaches at the primary school,” he said.
“The people tried to save the two buildings but it was too late.”
He said the teacher was facing a charge of arson.
Police believe that the fire started from one of the teachers’ quarters and spread to the two classrooms.
Term one of the new academic year starts on Monday, Feb 1.
Teachers are required to report to school next Monday, Jan 25.
Meanwhile, Supt Beli said police had also charged a woman with one count of defamation after a complaint was lodged by the chairman of a church in Wewak.
He had complained that a woman had allegedly posted false information about him and the church.
Supt Beli said the woman was facing a count of defamation under the Cyber Crime Act.
“I want to warn users of social media in East Sepik to be careful of what they post, especially against someone they are angry with,” he said.
“It is better to deal with the issue in person and not use social media spoiling another person. Talk to the person you have issues with and solve it instead of posting on Facebook which can attract many unwanted comments and threats.”