7 dead in Hela, GE22-related death toll stands at 38

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7 dead in Hela, GE22-related death toll stands at 38

PORT MORESBY: Papua New Guinea (PNG) General Election 2022 (GE22)-related violence and deaths continue to rise with seven people killed in a clash between supporters of rival candidate in Hela last week.

A polling centre was burnt down together with several houses in Margarima.

And in Enga, Commander Superintendent George Kakas said a district administrator was shot dead, policemen were attacked and new vehicles were burnt in the past two days.

PNG’s GE22-related death toll as reported by the media is now 38 (See listing on Page 3 for details).

PNG Cyber Monitor reproduces below the news break and a few GE22 news updates as reported by The National:

7 dead in Hela

July 11, 2022The NationalMain Stories

By REBECCA KUKU in Margarima
PAPUA New Guinea General Election 2022 (GE22)-related violence and deaths continue to rise with seven people killed in a clash between supporters of rival candidates in Hela last week.
A polling centre was burnt down together with several houses in Margarima.
And in Enga, commander Superintendent George Kakas said a district administrator was shot dead, policemen were attacked and new vehicles were burnt in the past two days.
PNG’s GE22-related death toll as reported by the media is now 38 (See listing.).
Hela commander Chief Inspector Robin Bore said the fight started last Monday between Komo-Margarima MP Manasseh Makiba’s (Pangu Pati) supporters and Independent Dr Benson Wakinda’s supporters at the Yambraka polling centre.

Yambraka polling centre in Margarima was burnt down last Monday. – Nationalpics by Rebecca Kuku

“Two people were killed on Monday, and one died on Tuesday. So far, three people are confirmed dead. Apart from that, I am yet to receive an update,” he added.
But according to locals, four more people have been killed.
Locals from Makiba village told The National in Margarima on Saturday that two more people were killed on Wednesday and another two on Friday.
“So far seven of our people have been killed, our homes have been burnt down and our women and children are scattered everywhere. We do not know where they are,” one of them said.
“But we will defend our home and our seat.”
Wakinda’s supporters said they were only defending themselves and protecting their family and homes.
“They shot and wounded one of our sons on Monday for no good reason. That was why we retaliated.”
Both sides of the political divide have called for the ballot boxes from Yambraka to be disputed and set aside before peace could be reached.
But Provincial Elections Manager John Tipa said he was waiting for a full report from his Returning Officer from Margarima before he could consider disputing the boxes from Yambraka. Counting for Margarima is scheduled to start today (Monday).
The seat, one of five in Hela, is being contested by 19 people. Polling in Hela’s one-day polling was completed last Monday at 275 polling centres.
Hela has 14 local level governments.

Ballot boxes hijacked, official shot dead: Police

July 11, 2022The NationalMain Stories

BALLOT boxes were hijacked, a police vehicle was torched, and a district administrator shot dead in Enga over the past two days, according to police.
Provincial police commander acting Supt George Kakas said 24 boxes for Laiagam were hijacked by people known to police at the district office on Friday.
He said two policemen from the Highway Patrol Unit who were sent to assist in providing security during the polling in Kandep district were attacked and their vehicle torched.
“A policeman’s head was (hit) with an iron or something. The two escaped on foot to safety. A firearm was taken and the new vehicle burnt,” Kakas said.
The two made it safely to Wabag on Saturday. Kakas said the vehicle was recently bought for around K150,000 for members of the highway patrol unit to use.
“At Kompiam, a police mobile force team was trapped. They protected the boxes. This morning (yesterday), I sent two teams to help them get out.
“Last night (Saturday), a district administrator was shot and killed. The deputy district administrator was shot along with a female and male passenger.
“The female died with the deputy administrator Willie Muu. The motive is not ascertained but strong leads suggest political reasons behind the shooting. A report has been lodged and police are investigating.”
Kakas blamed the incidents on certain individuals who had been going around urging supporters to cause trouble. He said everyone was using guns and very soon members of the security forces would be protecting themselves first rather than the ballot boxes under their care.

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