Tempers were tested this morning between police and the vendors at the Gordon’s market, following social media reports of a police officer striking and killing a market vendor, prompting mass outrage and the destruction of a police community watch Post.
NCD Metropolitan Superintendent, Silva Sika who was on ground to address members of the Gordons Precinct, told PNG HAUSBUNG that all reports on social media about the woman being harassed by police were fabricated.
He added that the woman alleged to have been struck by police officers was taken to the Port Moresby General Hospital by police given her own underlying health issues.
“The woman is not dead as the social media reports have stated, she was taken to the hospital by a few of our members.”
“The reports of policemen assaulting her are NOT true.”
It was reported by the Superintendent that as police were doing their morning motorized patrol routine, the woman whilst going about her normal daily routine started having complications breathing and collapsed.
It was later when she gained consciousness, in a disturbed state of mind, accused police officer of assaulting her, which led to the public destroy the community watch post.
Met Supt Sika added, “We are going to conduct an investigation into this.”
“We will ask the shops around the area to provide CCTV footage of the alleged incident and hold those responsible for causing mass panic to the public.”
Meanwhile, the Gordons Police Station Commander, Inspector Gabriel Kini stated that this is a ploy by certain opportunists in the area set up to tarnish the reputation of the police force.
“We are aware of the person’s responsible for spreading misinformation and they will be dealt with by the full brunt of the law.”