Police in West New Britain (WNB) are hot on the tails of those involved in the recent riot in Bialla and will not stop until the perpetrators are arrested and charged.
Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Superintendent Peter Barkie has advised that, CID officers, after going through footage of the looting, have identified those involved and are working with locals to track down the suspects.
It has been determined that most of the suspects have fled Kimbe and are in hiding. “Most of the people involved have left town.
There was a raid that was supposed to have been conducted yesterday, when police went in there behind the settlements, they only found women and children.”
Barkie said the suspects have nowhere to run, and police manhunt is underway to apprehend these suspects.
Thanks to CCTV cameras installed in the shop that was looted, police were able to identify all persons involved in the looting.
Meanwhile, Superintendent Barkie is satisfied with the amount of support been received from the Provincial Government, stating that they have been very helpful and have guaranteed support for the police.
“They have been very helpful in their support, but these are short term measures to deal with the current situation. Now whilst the situation is contained they will now go into addressing long term measures.”
He said some of the short term measures that they have come up with is to impose a curfew for the next 2 months, put a ban on take away alcohol in town and re-route traffic.
Apart from this they will be looking to recruit 100 reservist to help the law and order situation.