Hetwara Gang

Rai Coast contingent commander, Inspector Steven Yalamu, said he received the latest information of the gang taking position at the polling sites, ready to attack security personnel and polling officials. He said they have viewed these developments as a serious threat "I had received information that some candidates are behind the movement of the Hetwara gang so I want to warn those responsible that they must stop and let the public exercise their democratic right to elect their leader. Do not distribute when the polling teams arrive.

Rai Coast District Election security operation Commander Inspector Steven Yalamu said the three were attacked earlier this week but could not be taken to the hospital quickly because the heavily armed Hetwara gang were at the airstrip after the attack.

Inspector Yalamu said during the attack, a 15-year-old girl was abducted and sexually assaulted. He said they also killed one man and destroyed properties. Villagers in Gwarawon were chased into the bush.

The men and women, were fast asleep in their house when the gang launched the attack on them. They managed to escape through the windows of their house, but not without wounds.

According to police officers on the ground at Nankina Valley, the armed gang allegedly surrounded and shot at the house with spears and managed to injure the men inside.

They then tried to kidnap the women but their plan was foiled when neighbours heard the commotion and intervened. The gang escaped.

After attacking the Deacon and his family yesterday morning but the criminals managed to get away, confirmed Madang police. 

Madang Provincial Police Commander acting Superintendent Mazuc Rubiang said it was alleged that the men all armed with bows and arrows, bush knives, wire catapults, stapler guns and axes had entered the house at around 3am.