07-05-2012, 01:52 AM
Rivals clash in city centre
By JOHNNY POIYA
THE much rumoured clash between supporters of Petroleum and Energy Minister William Duma and former Gaming Board Chairman Simon Sanangke yesterday eventuated — in the heart of Mt Hagen ity.
Supporters in 10-seater landcruisers yesterday chased and ran into each other in the heart of the commercial centre at around 5pm.
A brown landcruiser was chased down by several vehicles and one rammed into its side in a dramatic chase right in front of police and security force members running the election in the province.
The brown vehicle, believed to belong to a former councillor from Mr Duma’s tribe, but now a supporter of Mr Sanangke for the Mt Hagen Open seat made a strategic u-turn between the AGC building and Rainbow Supermarket and headed back to the police station, avoiding those chasing it.
One of the white vehicles gave chase closely but had to move away and park in the distance as the brown vehicle pulled up by the police station.
Several other vehicles with some of their side and back windscreens shattered were seen lurking at the city fringes.
About two weeks ago, Mr Sanangke’s supporters smashed and damaged nine vehicles belonging to Mr Duma’s supporters during a gathering hosted by the former CEO’s supporters near Ogelbeng outside the City.
Highlands Divisional Police Commander Teddy Tei said polling had been peaceful and urged supporters to respect their leaders and allow peace to prevail during the counting process.
Both Messrs Duma and Sanangke have called for their supporters not to disturb the election process.
By JOHNNY POIYA
THE much rumoured clash between supporters of Petroleum and Energy Minister William Duma and former Gaming Board Chairman Simon Sanangke yesterday eventuated — in the heart of Mt Hagen ity.
Supporters in 10-seater landcruisers yesterday chased and ran into each other in the heart of the commercial centre at around 5pm.
A brown landcruiser was chased down by several vehicles and one rammed into its side in a dramatic chase right in front of police and security force members running the election in the province.
The brown vehicle, believed to belong to a former councillor from Mr Duma’s tribe, but now a supporter of Mr Sanangke for the Mt Hagen Open seat made a strategic u-turn between the AGC building and Rainbow Supermarket and headed back to the police station, avoiding those chasing it.
One of the white vehicles gave chase closely but had to move away and park in the distance as the brown vehicle pulled up by the police station.
Several other vehicles with some of their side and back windscreens shattered were seen lurking at the city fringes.
About two weeks ago, Mr Sanangke’s supporters smashed and damaged nine vehicles belonging to Mr Duma’s supporters during a gathering hosted by the former CEO’s supporters near Ogelbeng outside the City.
Highlands Divisional Police Commander Teddy Tei said polling had been peaceful and urged supporters to respect their leaders and allow peace to prevail during the counting process.
Both Messrs Duma and Sanangke have called for their supporters not to disturb the election process.
