The West New Britain Police have advised that they are currently looking into the alleged police killings that occurred on the 20th of this month following a police stakeout in a remote area of the Kandrian-Gloucester District. Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Peter Barkie advised that at the moment a preliminary report has already been sent to police higher ups and at the moment a team is travelling to Cape Gloucester to ascertain facts surrounding the deaths of the 3 youths. He explained that the 3 youths that were killed were under investigation for links to a criminal gang that for a few weeks now had been terrorizing communities around the area, resulting in the death of 6 people including a police reservist. On the 20th, the PPC explained that they had received word that the gang was hiding out in a village call Ongaia when the incident occurred. “Police decided to do an early morning raid. In the process, 3 of them were arrested and these 3 were believed to be members of that criminal gang. They were apprehended at Ongaia village and they were being transported to Cape Gloucester Police Station for interrogation.” He said it was reported that during transporting the suspects, there was an attempt made to escape and unfortunately the three men were killed. Due to the remoteness of the area, the PPC advised that a team dispatched to conduct investigations should be arriving at Cape Gloucester by this morning.

The Opposition Leader and Kandrian-Gloucester MP, Joseph Lelang has voiced concerns over the drastic increase in violent crimes over the recent weeks and has accused the Government for not doing enough to sort it out. This is also in light of the recent backlash on an international publication of the atrocities committed in the Enga Province in Australian Media. Lelang stated that there is also reason to believe that police killings of innocents are also on the rise. “Police are now becoming murderers themselves killing innocent people." "The fact is that police are going after criminals but who is going after police murderers?” This is in reference to allegations made against Kimbe police regarding the horrific murder of three youths from Ongaea Village in the Gloucester LLG. Lelang added that according to reports he has received, police had raided a village at 3am in the morning without properly verifying their identity and killed the youths. Lelang is now calling on the Internal Security Minister to immediately launch an investigation into this matter. “Policemen are getting away scot-free from murders of innocent blood everywhere.” The Opposition Leader is adamant that this killing will not be swept under the carpet like the murder of the Lakiemata escapees earlier this year.

Justin Holbrook has been appointed head coach of Papua New Guinea in a coup for the Kumuls ahead of the upcoming Pacific Championships. Another building block in the development of rugby league in PNG has been achieved with the appointment of Justin Holbrook as the head coach of the PNG Kumuls. Justin Holbrook has been appointed head coach of Papua New Guinea in a coup for the Kumuls ahead of the upcoming Pacific Championships. [caption id="attachment_44229" align="aligncenter" width="840"] Justin Holbrook with Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson and former assistant Jason Ryles.©NRL Photo[/caption] Another building block in the development of rugby league in PNG has been achieved with the appointment of Justin Holbrook as the head coach of the PNG Kumuls. The news comes at an important time as PNG continues its strategic approach to creating an internal pathways system as part of its bid to join the NRL. Holbrook, who has recently been appointed as Roosters assistant coach working with Trent Robinson, will take up his new role this month. This will allow lead-in time to the important four-week Tri Series against Fiji and the Cook Islands that begins on October 15th with the final scheduled for Sunday, November 5th. Holbrook’s coaching resume is impressive. Having gained experience on the coaching staff of a number of NRL clubs, Holbrook’s first big break as a head coach came with his appointment by St Helens in the English Super League in 2017. Holbrook enjoyed an extremely successful time at the club, winning 80% of his games in charge, including taking St Helens to the Challenge Cup Final in 2019 and lifting the Super League title the same year. [caption id="attachment_44228" align="aligncenter" width="840"] Justin Holbrook has been in demand since parting ways with the Titans©NRL Photos[/caption] Holbrook then returned to Australia for the 2020 season as Head Coach of the Gold Coast Titans. In his first season he was able to quickly turn around the fortunes of a club that had finished last the previous year, guiding them to a creditable 9th position. In 2021, Holbrook continued to build on the momentum from the previous year, taking the team to the Finals for the first time since 2016. Since departing the Titans in Round 16 of this season, Holbrook’s services have been in major demand with both the Canterbury Bulldogs and Warrington Wolves showing an interest, before he decided to join Sydney Roosters as an assistant coach for 2024, working with his close friend Trent Robinson. PNG LNG Kumuls Chairman, Wapu Sonk, was delighted that the Kumuls had been able to secure the services of such a sought-after coach. “Having someone of the calibre of Justin coaching the Kumuls is a major boost for rugby league in the country," Sonk said. “He has shown that wherever he has coached he has built a reputation for developing younger players and creating a winning culture and that is something that we are looking to create with our international teams.” “Justin has been highly sought after as a coach in recent times and so his decision to take on the Head Coach’s role with the Kumuls, is a major vote of confidence in the plans we have in place for rugby league in this country.” Holbrook, also expressed his excitement at the opportunity to work with a squad, fast-growing in terms of reputation, [caption id="attachment_44227" align="aligncenter" width="840"] Kumuls players celebrate a Lachlan Lam try ©NRL Photos[/caption] “You only have to speak to anyone associated with the game in PNG to see the passion they have for rugby league,” Holbrook said. “They are a country that are looking to the future and building a structure that will support the development of the game in this country for years to come. “There is an enormous talent base of players in PNG and a real desire to compete against the best. “I am looking forward to working closely with the players to continue their development and to build on the great work that has been done before me." PNGRFL CEO, Stanley Hondina, also used this opportunity to announce the re-appointment of Ben Jefferies, who is currently the Cowboys NRLW Head Coach, to the position of Santos Orchids Head Coach. The PNGRFL also announced that the Junior Kumuls will be coached by Joe Grima and the Junior Orchids will be coached by Solomon Kulunias Source: NRL.Com

Cricket PNG [CPNG] have officially released the team list of the Kumul Petroleum Holdings Ltd [KPHL] PNG Lewas who will be travelling to Vanuatu to take part in the East Asia Pacific T20 regional qualifiers for a chance to take part in the Global qualifiers for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. Making the announcement at Amini Park, Cricket PNG CEO Richard Done stated this is a great opportunity for the Women’s team to have this trip and to do their best to qualify. The team consists of mostly veteran player and will see two new inclusions in the squad. The Official Lewas squad for the EAP T20 Qualifiers is as follows: 1. Kaia Arua [Captain] 2. Sibona Jimmy [Vice-Captain] 3. Tanya Ruma 4. Brenda Tau 5. Pauke Siaka 6. Naoani Vare 7. Kevau Frank 8. Henao Thomas 9. Geua Tom 10. Initia Vagi 11. Vicky Ara’a 12. Hane Tau 13. Isabella Toua 14. Vicky Buruka Lewas Captain Kaia Aura stated that she was privileged and honoured to lead the team once again. She said she is still learning even though some may consider her a veteran. It was at this time that CPNG also announced the commencement of former Zimbabwean Cricketer, Tatenda Taibu as the new Head coach of the KPHL Lewas, to be assisted by Mahuru Dai.

For the first time in the Pepsi Capital Rugby Union (CRU) major premiers, runners up and minor premiers received prize monies following the completion of the 2023 season. President Kori Chan made the announcement following a very successful grand final event held at the Santos National Football Stadium last Saturday. Premier Grade champions Kramer Ausenco Brothers hoisted the Pepsi Cup and K20,000 cash while runners up Credit Corporation Harlequins got K15,000. Brothers also took out the minor premiership after 15 rounds to claim K5000. The Women’s champions Credit Corporation Harlequins received K20,000 as well as the Niupower Shield with runners up Juggernauts settling for K15,000. Harlequins got K5,000 for claiming the Minor Premiership. A Grade, U23 and U19s will all receive prize money in the form of rugby equipment and supplies from CRU, they are as follows: A Grade Premiers Crusaders – Stop N Shop Shield and K10,000, A Grade Runners Up Credit Corporation Harlequins – K5,000, A Grade Minor Premiers Credit Corporation Harlequins – K1,000, U23 Premiers winners Moni Plus Nova – Gangloff Consulting Shield and K10,000, U23 Runners Up MBB Marlins – K5,000, U23 Minor Premiers MBB Marlins – K1,000, U19 Premiership winners Gangloff Consulting University Piggies – Moni Plus Shield and K10,000, U19 Runners Up Moni Plus Nova – K5,000, U19 Minor Premiers Moni Plus Nova – K1,000.

Following the announcement of both the ICT Ministerial Dialogue and the Asia-Pacific ICT Tele-community (APT) Policy & Regulation Forum (PRFP-16) and the inaugural pacific ICT Ministerial Dialogue, the Ministry of Information, Communication & Technology will be looking to digital expansion as a way forward to achieving the country’s development aspirations. Aligned with the APT’s Strategic Plan for 2021-2023, Minister Masiu stated that the PRPF-16 will investigate priority areas such as Digital Infrastructure, Digital Innovation, Security and Trust, Digital Capacity Building and Skills and Disaster Management. He said, “The sessions are designed to echo aspirations set out in the Ministerial Dialogue’s theme: “Connected Pacific – Enabling Aspirations through ICT.” He added that a distinct highlight of PRFP-16 will be a round table for ministers and heads of regulators, offering a venue for dynamic exchange on recent policy and regulation experiences. “We are confident that these gatherings will be monumental in shaping the ICT Landscape of the pacific.” Minister Masiu further stated that the country, through his ministry and partners are excited to host both events.

After having spent a week-long training session with the Kumul Petroleum PNG Lewas Women’s team in their lead-up to the ICC Women’s T20 EAP (East Asia Pacific) in Vanuatu next week. At the end of the week Price commented that it was great to meet up with the Lewas again after travelling with them to the UAE last year. “The girls are an exciting group, with a good combination of regular and younger players, and they fully deserve their 11th position in the ICC Women’s T20 Global Rankings, ahead of all other Associate Member teams, and one Full Member, Zimbabwe.” “They have the talent and potential to keep improving and to challenge for a regular place in the big events.” To end the PacificAus Sports week of training, Cricket PNG hosted the PacificAus Sports Activation Fun Day at Ela Beach with Julia Price and the Lewas running cricket skills, drills with children from Pari, Taurama and Tubusereia villages at Ela Beach on Saturday amidst gusty conditions. More fun for all who attended, as group Captain Kaia Arua Boe thanked Julia Price and sponsor PacificAus Sports who continue to fund professional cricket coaches to maintain our high level of skills.

The Minister for Information Communications & Technology & Member for South Bougainville, Timothy Masiu announced that the country is ready and happy to be hosting two high profile events in the field of ICT next week. This will be the inaugural pacific ICT Ministerial Dialogue on the 28th-29th of this month whilst the Asia-Pacific ICT Tele-community [APT] Policy & Regulation Forum [PRFP-16] will be on the 30th to the 1st of September. “The first of its kind Pacific ICT Ministerial dialogue will see ICT Ministers from across the pacific and top-level officials from development partners including the International Telecommunication Union [ITU] and regional organizations such as the APT and the Pacific Island Telecommunication Association [PITA] converge in Port Moresby to sign off on a declaration.” The minister stated that this will symbolize the commitment of Pacific Countries and territories to work together and to build a unified approach for the strategic development and strengthen the region through the coordinated use of and advancement of ICT. 12 countries have already been confirmed to take part and official delegations will be flying into the capital as early as this Friday while two other delegates will be participating online. “After the Pacific ICT Ministerial Dialogue, some of the members of each delegation will continue with the PRFP-16, a key event under the APT of ITU.” The Minister stated that the PRFP-16 will provide an invaluable platform for discussions on telecommunications and ICT policies tailored for the Pacific.

Rabbitohs superstar Latrell Mitchell will miss his side's Round 27 clash with the Roosters after accepting an early guilty plea to a Grade 2 Dangerous Contact charge. Mitchell was sent to the sin bin in the 79th minute at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday after an incident involving Knights forward Tyson Frizell and was cited on Monday by the Match Review Committee with the charge carrying a one-match suspension with an early guilty plea. As the Rabbitohs have a bye in Round 26, Mitchell will miss the Rabbitohs' clash with the Roosters next Friday which looms as a potential showdown for a spot in the finals. Meanwhile, Bulldogs five-eighth Matt Burton also entered an early guilty plea to a Grade 1 Dangerous Contact offence involving Raiders prop Josh Papali'i and was fined $1800. Raiders fullback Jordan Rapana entered an early guilty plea Dangerous Contact following the win over the Bulldogs and has been fined $3000. James Fisher-Harris has been fined $1000 after taking an early guilty plea to a Grade 1 Dangerous Contact charge arising from the Panthers' victory over the Titans on Saturday night. Dolphins halfback Sean O'Sullivan also received a Grade 1 Dangerous Contact charge and has been fined $750. Warriors forward Bunty Afoa was charged with Dangerous Contact following his side's win over Manly on Friday night and was fined $1000 while Cowboys winger Semi Valemei was fined $750 with an early guilty plea to a Careless High Tackle charge. Source: NRL.Com

Prime Minister James Marape has issued a warning to all that individuals apprehended in possession of firearms will be subject to life imprisonment. This was his message for the warring factions that are currently participating in the ongoing tribal fights in the Enga Province. “It is of utmost importance for those in Enga to take heed of this cautionary message. As we converse, the entire province is currently under heightened scrutiny." Prime Minister Marape emphasized that the continuation of tribal violence should not hinder the flow of traffic along the Highlands Highway to vital areas such as the Porgera Gold Mine, Wapenamenda, Wabag, and other critical parts of Enga. He also stressed that the provision of essential services by both the national and provincial governments, including education and healthcare, must remain unaffected. "Individuals who break the law will face its full consequences." The Prime Minister added that they are currently evaluating the police structure in Enga, as well as the role of the PNG Defence Force and Special police operations that have already been initiated in Enga and the western segment of the Highlands to ensure that the principles of law and order are upheld.

Police in the capital have advised that there were no serious casualties or deaths in the fighting that had occurred over the weekend in the Gerehu Secondary School Cultural Show mayhem. According to Gerehu police, there were several scuffles that had broken out during that time, but thankfully, no one was killed during the incidents. This is contrary to alleged social media reports of one death that had occurred with graphic images of a person with serious injuries circulating online on various social media outlets since the weekend. Meanwhile, this newsroom’s attempts to get in contact with the NCD Metropolitan Superintendent, and the NCD/Central Command for further comments on the matter have been unsuccessful thus far.

The Prime Minister, James Marape has appealed to the warring factions of Enga Province to cease all hostilities and lay down arms between the ongoing tribal conflict and loss of innocents. PMJM condemned the recent killing of five suspected hired gunmen, whose graphic images were widely circulated on social media platforms. He stated that this act of violence and Jungle Justice underscored the necessity for a more peaceful and just resolution to the conflicts that plague the region. “I want to implore the warring tribes of Enga to abandon violence and also denounce the concept of 'jungle justice’.” "In my condemnation of 'jungle justice,' I also caution those engaged as hired gunmen that the people of Enga are fed up with their interference in tribal conflicts, as was tragically demonstrated over the weekend.” Prime Minister Marape further asserted that the Police force has been issued explicit directives to decisively address the ongoing tribal disputes in Enga. He said that Police Commissioner David Manning has been mandated to intervene in the persistent tribal confrontations in Enga, to quell the escalation of violence, and to apprehend those who persist in armed conflicts. Meanwhile, investigations have been conducted into the financiers of these tribal clashes, many of whom reside outside the province of Enga. “To all warring factions in Enga, I appeal you to relinquish your weapons and allow the peace initiatives initiated by the Enga Provincial Government to progress.” "Should the law eventually catch up with individuals, such as those involved in recent incidents, incarceration will be the inevitable consequence. He added that in the nearby province of Hela, more than 50 tribal fighters have already been apprehended and are presently in custody, undergoing due legal procedures for suitable sanctions.