Alleged shooting probe continues

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INVESTIGATION into the alleged shooting by security force personnel of five men, and the wounding of others in Anglimp-South Waghi, Jiwaka, during the 2022 General Election, is ongoing.
Police Director of Crimes Joel Simatab said a team of investigators from police headquarters was sent to Jiwaka to work on the case.
“We have investigators on the ground.
“It’s been a month since investigations started,” he said.
The alleged shooting took place in August shortly after the declaration of the Jiwaka provincial seat winner.
It was claimed at that time that a group of men were not happy with how the election was conducted.
Jiwaka regional seat candidate Patrick Nema said at the time that the security forces should have tried to talk to the men instead of shooting at them.
Nema said they were also not happy that the returning officer Nuku Umar, who was ordered to step down by the Electoral Commissioner in a letter on Aug 4, was still carrying out his duties.
“When the declaration took place on Friday, the tribesmen took to the Highlands Highway just to express their frustrations,” he said.
“Protest is normal for the people to express their dissatisfaction and they were doing just that.
“The first group of security forces who arrived managed to calm the situation.”
Nema said it was the second group who fired at the protestors.
“Where is justice? They used three armoured vehicles and shot at our people.
“Some of these young men were students and they were not there to fight with government forces.”
Simatab said the investigations were continuing.