Boroko Police in the nation’s capital Port Moresby have arrested and charged 25 people for illegal street vending in a public place and they are now detained in the cells awaiting their court appearances.
According to the Officer in Charge of Boroko Support unit Senior Constable Petrus Mund, the 25 people were street vending around the Stop and Shop area, the Tabari bus stop, and near the banks which are not designated areas for vending.
Most of those who were arrested and charged were selling betel nut, while a few were selling other items.
NCD Metropolitan Superintendent Silva Sika, said police conducted awareness throughout the city, reminding street sellers to stop vending at undesignated locations, such as bus stops, footpaths, shop fronts, traffic lights and other public areas.
According to Mr. Sika the police will continue to arrest suspects if they defy the orders issued by the police.
He said, ” I am pleased with the effort taken by Boroko Police, and I call on the other stations to do likewise.”
“When we caution and discharge them, they will come back and do the same. The public must also stop from buying from them so they will stop. I want you all to work with the police to keep the city clean and crime free. My police officers and I can only do so much to fight crime, and we need your help and support,” Sika said.
While acknowledging Metsup Sika’s statement, Senior Constable Petrus Mund said his members will continue to clamp down on illegal markets in their area of operations.
Meanwhile, NCD/ Central Commander Anthony Wagambie Jr called on the public to respect the job of police officers.
He said members of the Constabulary work under very challenging circumstances everyday and people should respect their roles and responsibilities.
He said the police are doing it for a purpose and that is to minimise crime and keep the city clean.
The 25 alleged offenders were charged under the Summary Offences Act, Section 44B for Illegal Street sales and Under the NCDC Litter Act, Section 11, Sales of Betelnut.
They were told to pay K300 police bail or remain in custody while awaiting their court appearances.