PNG mob set upon MP for lack of action

Photo / Greg Bowker

PORT MORESBY - Papua New Guinean villagers have taken democracy to a new level when they set upon their local MP with stones and sticks for failing to deliver the area basic services.

The angry mob of 300 men and women chased, kicked and punched Kerema MP Pitom Bombom when he got off his plane in the Gulf Province, on PNG's southeast coast.

Bombom came under attack by his own people who accused him of lying and failing his electorate during the three years he had been in Parliament.

Bombom had returned to his home to celebrate PNG's 35th Independence Day but ended up suffering cuts and bruises after the attack. He also suffered a spear wound in the back.

Police, who had been travelling with another local politician, intervened and chased away the mob saving Bombom from further injury.

The National newspaper reported it was Bombom's first visit to the area since winning the Kerema seat in the 2007 election.

Kaintiba local level government president Jerry Yeninga said they were angry with the MP for constantly lying and providing no services.

"No one has organised the people to bash up the member, it was unplanned," he said.

"The people have shown their frustration on the member for continuously lying to them and not even visiting them or providing a single project or development for the area."

- AAP