Police to probe deaths, arrest killers in Huon Gulf

THE person or persons responsible for shooting dead two men in Huon Gulf’s Munum village last Thursday will be arrested after investigations are completed, Morobe police commander Supt Jacob Singura says.
“The investigations will cover all areas – the shooting, burning of vehicles, arson, injuring of a woman and four men and the instigators of the election-related confrontation and clash,” he said.
Singura said investigations would be thorough to ensure justice prevailed.
He said the ground situation was tense and “we appeal to both sides of the political divide to come with information that will help our investigations”.
“Both parties have to work with us and get the investigations done quickly so that those involved are identified and arrested,” he said.
“We are into the general election 2022 campaigning period.
“We cannot afford to have the shooting drag on without being solved. We are trying to negotiate for peace. This is a police matter now and both sides should not start anything again.”
Singura said the woman and four other men injured in the confrontation were treated for minor injuries at the Angau Memorial Hospital.
Meanwhile, Morobe rural commander Chief Insp John Daviaga urged the warring sides to remain calm while police investigate and try to maintain peace through negotiations and reconciliations.
“The shooting and killing is not what Morobeans normally do,” he said. “But I am satisfied with other districts that had remained peaceful since nominations.
“Please maintain peace for all until polling day so that Papua New Guineans can cast their ballots peacefully.”

Cop: There’s no need for violence

HIGHLANDS Western End commander Assistant Commissioner Rigga Neggi says there is no need for 2022 general election candidate supporters to attack each other.
“Behave civilly and fight it out through your ballots. There is no need to tarnish the image of Papua New Guinea with violence,” he added.
He said there would be less trouble during the campaigning period if everyone respected one another and were in their best behaviour.
“We have conducted enough pre-election awareness campaigns and the public should know how to behave as we work together towards a peaceful and safe election.”
Neggi said Papua New Guineans should strive for a safe and peaceful environment for all to exercise their democratic rights, once every five years, to elect their leaders without fear or favour.