Police to investigate death at Waghi Bridge

POLICE in Jiwaka will investigate the death of a man allegedly killed by police at Waghi Bridge which led to his relatives blocking the Highlands Highway.
Eastern Highlands acting provincial police commander Chief Insp Timothy Pomoso said violence erupted along the eastern end of the Highlands Highway after a road accident.
“The relatives of the man found dead on the highway alleged that he was murdered by Jiwaka police,” he said.
Pomoso said police in Jiwaka failed to investigate the matter and arrest the policemen allegedly involved.
“They did not take any action in addressing the concerns raised by the man’s relatives who returned to their village, located at the Okapa junction in Eastern Highlands, and resorted to attracting attention by blocking the main highway and attacked vehicles on Monday,” he said.
Pomoso said a joint operation by police from the Highlands Mobile Squad, Goroka, Kainantu and Henganofi resulted in the arrest of 11 men on Monday.
“I instructed PSC Kainantu Insp Steven Yalamu to have them locked up and charged accordingly,” he said.
“I accompanied Inspector Yalamu to meet with the deceased man’s family and were able to restore peace and order along the highway.”
Meanwhile, Police Commissioner David Manning has directed the Jiwaka police commander to investigate the death of the man at Waghi Bridge.
Jiwaka police could not be reached for comment.