BANZ TOWNSHIP SHUTS DOWN FOLLOWING THE DEATH OF AN ELDERLY WOMAN
Police in Jiwaka Province were outnumbered yesterday as they tried to contain an ethnic clash.
Provincial Police Commander Chief Inspector Laimo Asi confirmed that the ethnic clash started following the death of an elderly woman, who was said to be murdered and her body dumped into a toilet pit by her husband who is now in police custody.
He said police were outnumbered when trying to contain the situation as the current manpower and ratio of police is unmatched to the population.
However, he urged the locals that such matters must not be brought into the township where it interrupts the operation of businesses.
The incident started after an elderly woman from Senglap Kanem tribe in North Wagi was allegedly murdered by her southern highlands husband.
The deceased was later found by her tribe who marched into the township in an attempt to attack any Southern Highlander.
They launched their attack in Banz market, forcing the market to close. It was not until midday yesterday when normalcy was restored. However, there is still high tension in the area.
According to the police the suspect fled and went into hiding but later surrendered to Banz police and was detained.
