Police arrest murder suspect

By JIMMY KALEBE
POLICE have arrested a suspect for killing a man in a General Election 2022 (GE22)-related murder in Huon Gulf on Saturday.
Morobe police commander Superintendent Jacob Singura said a fight erupted between supporters of two candidates and the man was slashed to death on the spot.
He said more arrests were likely in the coming weeks.
The murder has raised GE22-related death toll to 50 nationwide since May 20.
Singura said GE-related violence was not part of Morobe in past GEs but “this has changed”.
“Since the start of GE22, we have received many reports of violence. The people in Morobe must understand that any foul plays in the electoral process can always be settled in the court of disputed returns.
“Why are the taking it so personally and inflict pain on other people or cause destruction to properties,” he added.
Singura said the people should accept the outcome of the electoral counting process and allow the winner to take office.
Meanwhile, the situation on the ground in Kabwum was normal as police conducted investigations into the destruction of ballot boxes and papers as well as other properties on July 17.
For the Markham incident on July 16, police have arrested the main suspect and four others who have all appeared in a district court in Lae yesterday.

No election-related deaths at PMGH: Molumi

By LULU MARK
NO election-related deaths have been recorded at the Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH), chief executive officer Dr Paki Molumi says.
Molumi said with the rapid increase in election-related violence since Sunday, the hospital’s emergency response team was on standby to receive mass casualties.
He said a victim with a knife wound and traumatic brain injury was admitted and was in a stable condition.
He said the other victim had wounds inflicted by a bush knife (machete) to his limbs and was operated on.
Molumi said the hospital was open but had heightened security measures including stricter access.
“All vehicles and persons to be searched for weapons,” he said.
“There is a metal detector search of anyone entering the emergency department, children’s emergency department, consultation clinic and all entry points into the hospital.
“The emergency department gate is controlled with no guardians to be allowed in.”
Molumi said hospital staff were also being picked up and dropped off.
Meanwhile, St John Ambulance chief executive officer Matt Cannon said the ambulance received reports of isolated skirmishes around the National Capital District (NCD) yesterday.
He said these skirmishes appeared to be related to the general election and there were reports of opportunists taking advantage the situation.
“Our mandate is to bring help to all during times of sickness, distress suffering and danger without any form of discrimination,” he said.
“St John Ambulance will continue responding to emergencies in NCD and around the country, as always.
“The safety of our patients, community and St John People is critical.”

Counts suspended after violence

ELECTION-related violence has yet again stalled counting in the nation’s capital, four days from the return of writs on Friday.
When this paper visited the counting venues, the makeshift shelters for the candidates’ scrutineers and supporters that had mushroomed around the venues since the beginning of counting two weeks ago had all been removed with tight security by police.
National Capital District (NCD) election manager Kila Ralai, who was at the Rita Flynn counting venue for the NCD Regional and Moresby South counting, said counting was suspended yesterday.
Rita Flynn counting venue commander Chief Insp Bobby Alisa said his men numbering up to 300 were closely monitoring the situation following violence at the North East counting venue (Sir John Guise Indoor Complex).
He said road blocks have been set up leading into the counting venue to prevent people loitering.
“Last night we had threats coming in and some scrutineers walked off because they were afraid for their lives,” he said.
Alisa said all counting officials were dropped off at their homes with a police escort. Moresby North-East returning officer Billy George, who was at the Sir John Guise Indoor Complex, said he was advised to suspend counting.

Silence over violence is deafening: Catholic leader

CATHOLIC Professionals Society President Paul Harricknen says the silence is deafening from General Election 2022 (GE22) leaders and candidates on the spread of violence nationwide, especially in the capital Port Moresby.
“They are just desperate to grab power using every means, including violence and killing,” he added.
In a media statement released yesterday, Harricknen said human life did not seem to matter when supporters of competing candidates go around cutting and chopping each other mercilessly.
“No incumbent MP or aspiring MP has spoken or done anything against the escalating violence we see and hear. Only the NCD (National Capital District Governor has come out to say something.
“We condemn this savage attitude,” he said.
He said women and innocent lives in Porgera had become the victims of the mayhem between warring clans.
“Human life is supposed to be preserved and protected by all means, for goodness sake! What kind of leadership are we promoting for the 11th Parliament and Government?
“When candidates get into power by means of violence and money, will there be servant leadership for the people and country?” he asked.
Harricknen said the high level of corruption had permeated our electoral system where people could not trust those managing the system anymore to the extent that every election official and security personnel were suspected.
“We condemn the attitude of those in power and position not doing anything or not doing enough to protect the lives of people,” he said.