by Sylvester Gawi – EM TV, LAE
Morobe Governor Kelly Naru has called on members of the public and relevant stakeholders to take ownership of Lae’s law and order problem.
Naru’s comment follows public concerns over a rise in petty crimes and other related crime incidents that has stirred fear within Lae communities. The Morobe Governor wants to see churches, schools and parents take ownership of Lae’s law and order problem at a community level.
His call comes after numerous incidents of crime reported in various parts of Lae city over the last four weeks. Within a span of 12 months, instances of bag-snatching, armed holdups and murders were reported. All of them were alcohol-related.
On Thursday, a 17-year-old boy was held up, robbed and then stabbed on the back of his neck. He died on the spot.
Another man was amputated with a bush knife at the same area, after he attempted to stop criminals from using his resident as an escape route.
Many others have sustained injuries from petty criminals who robbed for shopping bags and mobile phones. While the blame has been on Lae’s police force to maintain security, Naru says it is everyone’s problem, and he calls for public support.
He says Lae has been gradually seeing changes and the government is committed to ensure public safety is of paramount importance. However, discipline begins at home and it is the responsibility of parents and community leaders to take ownership of this problem.
