Robert@PNG

I witnessed what is commonly known as good old fashioned PNG justice!!

As I headed into work this morning I passed a compound where there were about 20 people standing around circle like. As I approached I noticed that strong words were being exchanged by young and old. The next thing you know they begin to mob a bloke who appeared to be in his early 20's. The mobbing got rather rough as they laid fist and boot in - young, old and no gender barred - they all proceeded to give this lad the thrashing of his life. I overheard someone say that he was caught stealing a pair of kids shoes from the compound. A classic example of PNG instant justice.

Believe me - the mob really went out of it's way to give it to him good and proper - I was standing about 7 meters away and I could see the damage as the lads face was bloodied. Onlookers gathered and also watched - once it was known that he was being punished for stealing - the mob was egged on by the spectators.

It get's interesting…

The group decided that a bashing wasn't enough and they then proceeded to rip the clothes of the boy's back - literally! Everything he was wearing or holding was taken of him. He tried to run but was stopped - the last thing to go were his jeans. I have known folks to be stripped as a form of punishment - possibly a shame thing. But this is where PNG modesty takes an interesting twist - the lad was allowed to keep his underpants on!!

But there's more…

Once the bashing and the stripping were complete - all were standing around - bashers and lad included. Punishment had been dished out and anger released. The poor lad had blood dripping down his face and a few red spots on his body and as I walked passed him - I noticed a rather large brown stain on the back of his dacks!! The poor man had shat himself!!!

And as I kept walking, I couldn't help but feel for all - the cruelty and uncontrolled frenzy of the mob and the pain and suffering of the lad. Life on the streets in PNG is tuff for thoe that get caught!!

And later I thought… thank god that no one was carrying a knife or baseball bat at the time!!