Madang town was overrun by the relatives of the deceased officer from Chimbu province on Thursday this week, overpopulating the town seeking justice.
However the situation changed drastically when opportunists among the population took advantage and began performing criminal acts in town, forcing the town vicinity to shut down immediately.
Police units rushed to the scene but could barely control and enforce peace as the opportunists rage grew excitingly resulting in the destruction of properties within the town.
A press conference was held yesterday to address the situation and how to minimize as soon as possible.
The conference was joined by the Provincial Administrator and deputy administrator, Correctional Service Commander and the Provincial Police Commander.
PPC David Seine was very direct in expressing the situation under the law and the absence of discipline at a family and community level.
“If parents disciplined their children, crimes would be lessened at the community level and provincial level.”
“It is vital that the grade 8’s must sit for the last paper of their exams on Friday.”
“Units have already been deployed for the investigation to identify these murders as we speak.”
“With fewer resisting law and order, police are currently on patrol to maximize control.”
“Opportunists took advantage of the mobilized group and so I appeal to all the people of and in Madang, this not an ethnic situation but a law and order situation. This is the bottom line.”
Meantime, the Provincial Administrator Frank Lau stressed that Madang Provincial Police Department is truly and deeply in need of assistance in infrastructure and equipment.
North and South Coast of Madang roads have been blocked off with rocks and burning tires to completely stop the movements.
PPC stated that there will be reinforcements soon.
“Two police mobile squad units are coming up from Lae to support the patrols and maintaining control among the people of Madang.”
Madang town has been on lock down and is yet to determine the outcome.
Investigations have been carried out and police expect to soon identify and apprehend the murder suspects to face justice.