Youths attack policeman, family on Christmas night

The National National
Some of the youths who were rounded up in a settlement after a Christmas night attack on a policeman and his family in Wewak, East Sepik. – Picture courtesy of WEWAK POLICE

MORE than 10 youths attacked a policeman and his family at home in Wewak’s Nuigo on Christmas night.
“The assailants, armed with homemade guns and other offensive weapons, tried to shoot the policeman but their guns misfired,” East Sepik commander Supt Albert Beli said.
“Despite being outnumbered, the policeman fought hard and chased them away.”
He said the youths had earlier been binge drinking near a church before burning down two houses in the neighbourhood.
Supt Beli said police had arrested several suspects from the attack and that they would be charged with attempted murder and other appropriate charges. He said the youths hid outside the policeman’s house and waited for him to emerge.
“When his wife stepped out of the house, the youths grabbed her and ordered her to bring them to her husband in the house,” he said.
“They tried to shoot the policeman but their guns misfired. The policeman then tried to fight back and flee but had two of his fingers on his right hand sliced off.”
Other policemen were then alerted, rushed to the house and took their colleague to the hospital.
They then raided a settlement and arrested several suspects.
Some ammunition were also seized from the youths.
“The public should respect policemen living inside or outside of barracks,” Supt Beli said.