By Patricia Keamo – EMTV news, Port Moresby
A drunken brawl which happened this morning between 7am and 8am, was reportedly instigated by Rex Palipe, who happens to be the landlord of the area where a group of Tari men was drinking. Palipe, who was intoxicated, allegedly assaulted a man from Maramuni in Wabag, who lives near his property.
The Wabag faction, upon seeing one of their own attacked, mobilised and retaliated, resulting in damage of property, where a vehicle was damaged, and a trade store looted.
NCD Metropolitan Superintendent, Perou N’Dranou, said Rex Palipe had been apprehended and is in police custody. The man assaulted by Palipe is seriously injured and hospitalised. Police are now waiting for him to recover so they can get more information from him.
Mr N’Dranou says as soon as more information is established, formal charges will be laid.
While on scene, members of the 5 Mile Gordon Ridge community condemned the actions of Palipe, saying this is not the first time he has instigated violence in the area.
