THE situation in Rabaul town is now tense as sporadic fighting and violence flared up again between two villages- Malaguna and Matupit in Rabaul district, East New Britain.
Just last month, fighting took place at three Malaguna villages over a mobile phone theft. However disputing parties reconciled to restore peace and normalcy.
The fight started on Saturday night (April 24) between villagers from Malaguna 1 and Matupit and later joined by villagers from Nordup, Matalau, Rabuana and Korere. It is believed the fight started off as a result of two stabbings of two youths from Matupit in the past two weekends by youths from Malaguna 1. Both have been hospitalized at Rabaul Provincial Hospital.
This has disrupted again businesses and schools in Rabaul town. Police are currently attending to the disputing parties.
Young men were seen in numbers out on the streets armed with weapons over the weekend.
However as of last night the youths were identified and handed over to police at Rabaul Police Checkpoint at Malaguna 1.
According to a report from Guard Dog Security, villagers from Malaguna 1 have set up a couple of road blocks in Rabaul town- one at Malaguna village blocking the main highway Kokopo Rabaul road, two at the main junction down to Puma Energy Terminal and three at BNBM Hardware, near Guard Dog Base.
Tyres were lit with fires burning in the middle of the road.
It is understood police spoke to villagers from disputing parties on Sunday and today to disperse the crowds telling them to return to their villages.
The security firm said the situation remains tense as no vehicles are moving in and out of Rabaul town. The public have advised against commuters travelling into Rabaul town today as their safety is not guaranteed.
Police manpower in Rabaul town will have to be beefed up as currently the two Mobile Squad units are out of the province.
