Gunman kills 2 in marketplace

A LONE gunman went on a shooting rampage at a market in Komo, Southern Highlands, last Sunday, killing two people and wounding one, The National reports.

The shooting occurred at Kangulu village, a few kilometres from the site of the multi-billion-kina PNG liquefied natural gas (LNG) project.

Work stopped temporarily but resumed on Monday, although the situation was still tense in the area.

Tari police said yesterday that the gunman had been angered at seeing his younger brother, who was drunk, being beaten up by the Sunday crowd.

Police said he rushed to his house, grabbed his home-made shotgun and opened fire into the busy, crowded market, killing an 18-year-old Grade 5 student instantly and a 16-year-old villager, who died in hospital the next day from wounds to the back of his head.

The third victim had his hand shot off and is receiving treatment at the Tari General Hospital.

Police identified the Aku Community School student as Sebby Tobale of Kukupalu village in Komo. The second victim was identified as Hangube Malai of Kangulu village.

The gunman has been arrested and locked up. He is yet to be charged.

LNG police security operations commander Jim Namora said yesterday he was concerned about the increase in alcohol-related crimes in Hela. Namora commended the MS 12 unit and the local Komo police, headed by a regular and 10 auxiliary, for their efforts in responding swiftly in apprehending the suspect.