A TEAM from the Education Department was attacked at a school in Port Moresby after its members were accused of putting satanic marks on the students.
The incident happened at the Holy Rosary Elementary School and Primary School in Port Moresby.
Parents and students attacked the officials after accusing them of marking students with the “666” sign under the pretext of collecting data.
A department official said the team was assigned by the department to roll-out its National Capital District Smart (i) Technology Programme. It is to update and transmit data from schools in the city to the department via internet.
Attempts by The National to get a comment from Education Secretary Dr Michael Tapo and NCD metropolitan commander Supt Andy Bawa were unsuccessful.
Some Christians link the 666 sign to satanic and anti-Christ beliefs.
Elementary school head teacher Maro Alau said a man and woman were badly beaten at the school after students informed their parents about what the team members were allegedly doing to them.
“By-standers attacked the other members of the team and took four laptops and other data collecting equipment,” he said.
He said a teacher was also attacked and had her phone stolen.
Alau said the team first came to the school on Wednesday.