A man lost his life while many were injured following an argument over betelnut (buai) at the Kerema market, Gulf Province, on Thursday afternoon.
Former policeman and current board chairman for Kerema school (Ilakaraeta primary), Ted Elaing, told Loop PNG that a local landowner (LO) cut a Wabag during the buai dispute. In retaliation, the Wabag allegedly killed the landowner.
“So the rest of the guys at the market turned around and chopped the Wabag man,” Elaing told Loop PNG.
While the LO was taken to the Malalaua Health Centre, the Wabag was paraded around Kerema’s ‘four-corner’ town by his relatives.
“We are not sure if he has succumbed to his injuries or is still alive,” says Elaing. “But he was bleeding badly whilst being paraded around Kerema town.
“His wantoks were carrying him around and saying ‘Yupla kilim em!’” (You killed him!)
After the incident, a group of locals blocked off the Kerema Bridge between 5-6pm. PMV buses, which the locals thought were operated by highlanders, were turned back. Only PMV trucks were allowed through.
“The situation was further worsened when two buses loaded with Taris and bags of buais from Kerema, tried to cross the bridge,” Elaing stated.
The locals refused to let them pass even though they (locals) were told that they were from Tari.
“Both sides then started fighting and both were injured with knife cuts, sticks and stones.”
Innocent commuters were also allegedly injured during the clash.
“Passengers were stranded from Kerema Bridge to Meaporo to Kerema town because buses had to drop them off and return to Port Moresby.”
Elaing said they sought assistance at the Malalaua police station but were told that the officers lack resources like vehicles and firearms, therefore they had to wait for the Kerema police.
Attempts to reach the Malalaua and Kerema police by Loop PNG were unsuccessful.
(Pictures supplied)
