Woman’s arm slashed in robbery

By MALINDA KALE
A WOMAN was slashed and robbed of her bilum (handbag) in a protracted feud between Rogolka and Kimka tribes in Western Highlands’ Dei.
Mt Hagen police commander Jacob Kamiak said Cathy James and Janet John were seated on a lawn in town eating fruits when about 10 men surrounded the two women at 9am on Oct 1.
“One man pulled out a bush knife, slashed Cathy’s right arm and snatched away her bilum. Another man cut Janet’s string bag and tried to take whatever was inside but she struggled and pulled back her bag.
“Policemen on foot patrol spotted the commotion and chased the suspects. One of them was caught.
“Police then seized a long bush knife, three rolls of marijuana and Cathy’s bilum from the suspect,” he added.
Kamiak said police were also treating the robbery as an ongoing attack by Rogolka and Kimka tribes because the assailants and women belonged to the different tribes.
He said the two women had gone to Mt Hagen main market to buy fruits.
Kamiak appealed to leaders of the two tribes to get together and try to bring peace among their people.
“Please embrace peace and harmony.”