(Report by Police Media Officer Andrew Philip.)
Police in Kerowagi in the Simbu province have arrested and charged three suspects for wilful and unlawful damage to the windscreen of a 25-seater coaster bus.
The incident occurred on Sunday February 19 at Mingende in the Kerowagi District.
Simbu Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Superintendent Epenes Nili said intervention by police and the arrest of the suspects who are now in the Kundiawa Police Station cell, prevented a potential tribal conflict from erupting.
Mr Nili said the suspects were arrested and charged on Monday February 20. They were under the influence of alcohol when they were alleged to have stoned the bus.
The PPC said in retaliation the owner of the bus and his clansman attacked the suspects on Monday where a stone throwing battle took place. He said many people from both sides received minor injuries.
“Police intervened and went in for peace negotiation, but they also threw stones at police. Kundiawa Police Station Commander (PSC) Senior Inspector Himson Larmatam’s official police vehicle was also stoned, causing serious damage to the windscreen. It has been sent to the workshop for repairs,” Mr Nili said.
He said the police calmed down the situation and called leaders from both sides within the Mingende community to assist in the peace process and surrender of the suspects to police. The suspects were identified, arrested, and charged.
Mr Nili thanked the community leaders for their assistance in bringing in the suspects and for maintaining peace within their communities. He also called upon the people, especially young men, to refrain from excessive consumption of alcohol, whether homebrew or otherwise, as they can contribute to igniting problems as was recently witnessed.
