Villagers want probe into shooting incident

 TATANA villagers have handed over two youths to police in Port Moresby who they believed were involved in the assault of a security guard which triggered a violent clash last weekend.

But the villagers also want police to investigate why armed security guards raided the village on Saturday, firing recklessly and attempting to assault a teenaged girl.

Tatana LLG ward councillor Tom Lancan said the village had cooperated with police by handing over the two youths. 

He said they wanted police to find out why the security firm allowed the use of firearms.

“We have 13 innocent men recovering from bullet wounds below their hips,” Lancan said.

“We want investigations to be conducted through the normal process and those who decided to use firearms to shoot at innocent people be brought to justice.”

“Our boys may have assaulted the security guard. But in  retaliation, the Guard Dog security firm (sent) guards to the village fully armed and started to shoot recklessly, which would have resulted in the death of innocent people. They also attempted to rape and shoot an innocent teenaged girl.

“The village had a meeting with the town police station commander and as part of our community initiative to combat lawlessness, we have handed over the two youths.

“But we want something done about the unwarranted use of firearms and the appropriate charges laid.”

Town police station commander Insp Robert Kurei said a report of the incident had been submitted to Metropolitan Commander Supt Andy Bawa with investigations now being conducted.

He commended the Tatana village community for their cooperation and assured that charges would be laid accordingly.