Western Highlands Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent John Sagom is now calling on the people to use social media wisely.
This is due to recent reports on social media that have been circulating that there has been a tribal fight in Mt. Hagen.
The PPC has debunked this, saying that there was no tribal fight but rather a random petty criminal who had stolen property from a person in the rainbow area of the city, in an attempt to make his getaway he was hit by an oncoming vehicle, thus resulting in his death.
“This occurred at Rainbow leading up to the Highlands Highway and the surrounding Chinatown area. As he was making his getaway, he got hit by an oncoming vehicle and was rushed to the hospital where he lost his life.”
PPC WHP said this was the only incident reported in so far as the office of the PPC is confirmed. Sagom said before people go on social media to report happenings, they must get the facts right and consult relevant authorities to clarify statements surrounding the incidents.
There is a provision in the Summary of Offences Act that stipulates how the police will deal with people that spread false reports and the Superintendent has advised that the law is clear and anyone that spreads information that is misleading or any false report, the law will deal with them.
The PPC has now made a warning to everyone that posting of misleading information such as this can have an adverse effect on the society and the best way to make sure that before you spread any controversial information, they must consult the office of the PPC before disseminating any information.