Violence starts in town following court’s decision on election recount

By ZACHERY PER
BUSINESS operation in Kundiawa town came to a standstill yesterday as the town turned violent following a Supreme Court decision to recount the votes for the Chimbu provincial seat. As soon as news spread in town about the court decision on the election petition filed by former governor Noah Kool against the election of Governor Michael Dua that a recount was called, there was unruly behaviour and general violence.
Witness Dege Sine said there were no common enemies to fight against but the crowd turned rowdy and were stoning buildings and vehicles.
Sine said traffic flow along the Kundiawa section of the Highlands Highway was also disrupted and shops were shut. Chimbu police commander Superintendent Jacob Singura said he deployed his policemen quickly to take control of the situation.
He said security would be beefed up to protect Government properties in the town, especially the Kondom Augando Provincial Administration Building.
He said there was a show of frustration on the streets and a residential building at Gon section of the town was burnt.