A Madang police officer and four others have been arrested and charged following the alleged brutal assault on pediatrician Dr. Jimmy Aipit and his family. Madang Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Acting Superintendent Robert Baim confirmed that Constable Greg Wii was disarmed and formally charged with multiple criminal offenses. “The accused policeman has been charged with four counts of wounding under Section 322 of the Criminal Code Act, one count of assault occasioning bodily harm under Section 340, one count of unlawful discharge of a firearm, and one count of abuse of office,” Baim said. Alongside him, four accomplices—Paliau Greg, Desmond Kolgia, Koni Jude, and Joel Kata—were also charged as principal offenders under Section 7 of the Criminal Code Act. Baim further stated that police bail was refused due to the involvement of a firearm. “Under the Firearms Act, any serious offense committed using a firearm does not allow for police bail. Only the courts will determine and grant bail,” he added. The case stemmed from a violent encounter that reportedly began when Dr. Aipit’s son was assaulted near Kalibobo House, leaving him seriously injured. Dr. Aipit took his son to Jomba Police Station to lodge a complaint. However, later that same day, the accused officer allegedly returned with a group, forced entry into Dr. Aipit’s home, and attacked him, his family, and others present. Dr. Aipit described being assaulted with knives, iron plates, and other objects, suffering multiple injuries. He also claimed that the officer, in uniform and armed, later threatened him and his children at the police station. The attack has drawn widespread condemnation, with medical staff at Madang Provincial Hospital calling for urgent measures to ensure the safety of health workers. The accused remain in custody as police investigations continue.

A senior doctor in Madang, Dr. Jimmy Apit, has accused a police officer of a violent assault on his family, alleging the officer was intoxicated at the time of the attack. Dr. Apit claims the incident began when the officer assaulted his son near Kalibobo House, leaving him with serious injuries. Upon taking his son to Jomba Police Station to file a formal complaint, Dr. Apit alleges the same officer later returned with a group, forcefully entered his home, and physically attacked his family and other residents. “I went outside, and he and his friends started attacking me with knives, iron plates, and other objects,” Dr. Apit recounted, adding that multiple people sustained injuries, including himself. He further alleges that when they returned to the police station to file another complaint, the officer, now in uniform and armed, resumed his assault, even pointing a gun at Dr. Apit and his children while issuing threats. Dr. Apit insists his son did nothing to provoke the officer and has since alerted both the Provincial Police Commander (PPC) and the Police Station Commander (PSC). However, he remains deeply concerned for his family's safety, saying they continue to receive threats. In response, Madang Provincial Police Commander, Acting Superintendent Robert Baim, said the matter has been addressed. Meanwhile, medical staff at Madang Provincial Hospital have staged a gathering at the hospital premises, condemning the attack on their colleague and calling for immediate action to ensure their safety.

Madang Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Acting Superintendent Robert Baim has acknowledged the vital role played by the community in assisting police with information that led to the arrest of two highly wanted criminals involved in serious offenses, including armed holdups. Baim commended members of the Madang Residents Response Network (MRRN) and other concerned citizens for their vigilance and willingness to cooperate with law enforcement. "The arrests of these individuals highlight the importance of community support in our fight against crime. We greatly appreciate the information provided by the public, which has been instrumental in tracking down and apprehending these suspects," he said. Baim reassured residents that police would continue to act swiftly on credible intelligence and urged the community to maintain its commitment to safety. "Your continued cooperation is essential. By working together, we can ensure a safer environment for everyone in Madang," he added. Police are urging residents to stay alert and report any suspicious activities through the designated contact lines to help prevent further criminal activities in the province.

Kiura Yarti, a 52-year-old former police officer from Koropak village, was recaptured on Karkar Island after escaping from Beon Correctional Institution. He had been serving a 32-year sentence for willful murder when he managed to flee on March 27, 2024. Yarti’s escape was executed under the pretense of harvesting food from the prison garden, which allowed him to exploit the prison's security measures. His background as a police officer in Madang Province before committing the murder offense made him particularly dangerous. This experience likely equipped him with skills and knowledge that enabled him to evade capture for an extended period, raising concerns about his potential threat to local communities on Karkar Island. Police had received multiple reports of his presence and potential danger, leading to heightened efforts to locate him. After several unsuccessful attempts to capture him, fresh intelligence finally led the authorities to discover that Yarti had traveled from Bagbag Island to Karkar Island by boat. Acting on this information, police utilized an unmarked vehicle to maintain a low profile while tracking him down. The turning point in the case occurred on January 31, 2025, when officers stopped a PMV truck and found Yarti among the passengers. Following his arrest, he was taken into custody and subsequently transferred to Jomba Police Station in Madang town on February 1. Yarti will be returned to Beon Correctional Institution to complete his sentence, alleviating community fears about his presence on the island. In light of Yarti's recapture, Madang Provincial Police Commander, Acting Superintendent Robert Baim, made a public appeal to others who may be on the run. He urged them to come forward, be processed, and finish their terms, emphasizing the importance of reintegrating into society and living a normal life. Baim's statement highlights a broader commitment to addressing issues of crime and rehabilitation in the community, aiming to encourage those in similar situations to seek a lawful path forward.

Angau Memorial Provincial Hospital in Lae city is at the forefront of cervical cancer treatment in Papua New Guinea, but challenges remain in meeting the demand for services. The hospital, which houses the National Cancer Centre, is currently struggling with a growing number of patients from Morobe and neighboring provinces. “We lack the resources and manpower to handle the increasing number of cervical cancer cases,” said Dr. Timothy Kink, a cancer specialist in Morobe Province. Efforts are being made to provide early diagnosis and treatment, but the limited availability of chemotherapy drugs, radiation therapy, and specialist staff are key barriers. Stakeholders are urging the government to allocate more funds to strengthen Angau’s capacity. Dr. Kink has called on the government and non-governmental organizations to step up their efforts in combating cervical cancer. “Mobile clinics should be deployed to remote areas where access to health services is a challenge,” Dr. Kink suggested. He emphasized that early detection could save countless lives, but without adequate funding and resources, this remains difficult. Dr. Kink also highlighted the role of NGOs in running awareness campaigns and providing affordable healthcare for women in underserved areas. He urged policymakers to make cervical cancer prevention a priority in the national health agenda. Cultural stigma and misinformation remain significant obstacles to cervical cancer prevention in Morobe Province. Dr. Kink revealed that many women in Morobe are reluctant to undergo Pap smear tests due to fear and societal taboos surrounding reproductive health. “In some communities, discussing such issues is seen as shameful, preventing women from accessing life-saving services,” Dr. Kink said. Health experts are advocating for culturally sensitive awareness campaigns to break these barriers. Engaging village leaders and churches is seen as a potential way to change attitudes and encourage early screening. Dr. Timothy Kink has emphasized the critical role men can play in preventing cervical cancer by supporting their families and promoting healthy lifestyles. “Men should encourage their partners, daughters, and relatives to seek regular screenings. They also need to practice healthy behaviors, as sexually transmitted infections are a major risk factor for cervical cancer,” Dr. Kink said. Dr. Kink also highlighted that engaging men in awareness campaigns could help remove the stigma surrounding cervical cancer and create a supportive environment for women to access healthcare. The message is clear: cervical cancer prevention is not just a women’s issue but a community effort that requires the involvement of men and women alike.

A specialist at the National Cancer Unit in Lae city has said that Morobe province has emerged with the highest cervical cancer rates in Papua New Guinea and is raising concerns about the provincial health system's ability to address the issue. Dr. Timothy Kink said inadequate health reporting and lack of awareness have led to delays in identifying and treating cervical cancer cases. “Morobe is among the leading provinces in the number of cervical cancer cases reported. However, we suspect the numbers are higher because many cases go undetected due to poor health services in rural areas.” Health experts are calling for increased resources for cervical cancer screening and treatment, particularly in remote areas of the province. The lack of awareness and poor access to healthcare in rural communities of rural Morobe is also a contributing factor to the cervical cancer crisis in the province. Dr. Kink stated that many women in Morobe seek treatment only in the advanced stages of cervical cancer. “Most women in rural areas are unaware of early warning signs and the importance of regular Pap smear tests.” The cultural stigma surrounding reproductive health further discourages women from seeking medical advice. Dr. Kink has called for community outreach programs to educate people about the disease and the importance of early detection.

A group of youngsters have developed an innovative way to source water for household use in the Morobe province. “Clean water is hard to find in our community, and it causes diseases like cholera and typhoid,” said Karen Abor, a Grade 11 student at Lae Secondary School, who is one of the members of that group. To solve this problem, youths from Tanam, Wampar LLG, created the "Pori Eco Drill," a portable and affordable water drilling machine made from recycled materials like old car parts and steel pipes. “This invention has already helped communities in Kamkumung, Igam, and Markham Bridge access clean water for homes, churches, and farms,” Karen said. The youths are now working to expand their project by partnering with organizations, training other communities, and improving the drill with solar power. “It’s amazing to see how creativity and hard work are making a difference,” Karen added.

A 45-year-old man has been arrested and charged in Madang for the persistent sexual abuse of a nine-year-old girl under his care. Madang Provincial Police Commander Acting Superintendent Robert Baim confirmed that the suspect had been abusing the child over an extended period of time. The victim was brought to Madang in March 2024 by her cousin sister who claimed they wanted to care for her as they had no children of their own. The family resided on Bemion Street in Madang District. “From the time the victim arrived in Madang, the suspect began mistreating her, initially using sexual gestures and touching her inappropriately,” Acting Superintendent Baim said. The abuse escalated in December 2024 when the suspect reportedly locked the child in a room and assaulted her over seven consecutive days while her cousin sister was at work. The girl was threatened with violence, allegedly warning her he would kill her with a machete if she reported the abuse. “The victim’s pale appearance and restricted movements raised suspicions among neighbors,” Baim said. “On January 10, 2025, a concerned female neighbor approached the victim, and the child revealed the abuse. The neighbor brought her to the police, where the complaint was officially lodged.” The 45-year-old suspect was apprehended by police and has been charged with Persistent Sexual Abuse of a Child and Abuse of Trust under the Criminal Code (Sexual Offenses and Crimes Against Children) Act 2002. Baim commended the neighbor for reporting the matter and urged the public to remain vigilant. “We encourage anyone aware of child abuse or similar offenses to report them immediately to the authorities,” he said. Police investigations are ongoing.

Farmers in Markham District are calling for better support as they continue to face challenges in growing watermelons, a crop they have cultivated for over two decades. The President of the Markham Smart Farmers Association highlighted the district’s ideal growing conditions for watermelons, which are known to be sweeter than those from other parts of the country. "Markham District is perfect for watermelon farming, and our crops have been thriving here for more than 20 years," said the President. However, a lack of reliable water supply is hampering their productivity. "Water is critical to our success, but we don’t have proper irrigation systems in place," the President explained. "The farmers rely on organic methods, purchasing seeds from stores, and planting without fertilizers. We grow our watermelons with our own hands, but we don’t receive any assistance or training from organizations," he added. The President also criticized the government for its lack of support for local farmers. "The government is not helping us, and we are farming out of our own determination and hard work," he said. Watermelon prices range between K5 and K50, but this fluctuates depending on water availability. "The inconsistent water supply makes it difficult to maintain stable production," the President noted. Farmers are also dealing with the impact of the redevelopment of the old main market, which has limited their sales opportunities. "Despite this, some of our farmers have managed to sell their produce to companies like Kainantu Mining," said the President. The President is calling for donor support to help address the water supply issues and provide essential training. "If we had the right support, we could improve our farming practices and significantly increase our watermelon production," he said.

Madang Provincial Police Commander, Acting Superintendent Robert Baim, has called for stricter adherence to road safety measures following a truck accident near Naru Mountain on the Madang–Ramu Highway earlier this week. Baim said the accident highlights the dangers of overloading and unsafe practices by drivers, vehicle crews, and passengers. “Road safety begins with the driver and crew, but it also involves ensuring the vehicle is in good condition, the driver is alert, and loads and passengers are properly secured,” he said. The truck involved in the incident was reportedly overloaded with betel nut bags, with passengers sitting precariously on top of the cargo. “These kinds of practices often lead to unnecessary accidents. In this case, the overloaded truck and unsafe seating arrangements likely contributed to the injuries,” Baim explained. While details of the accident are still under investigation, Baim said police believe some passengers sustained serious injuries. It remains unclear how many people were affected and whether they were taken to a hospital in Madang or elsewhere. He also noted that some PMV owners and drivers make unsafe modifications to their vehicles, which increase the risk of accidents. “Such practices are not only illegal but also dangerous,” he said. Baim stressed that passengers also have a role to play in road safety. “If you see that a vehicle is overloaded, don’t get on it. It’s common sense,” he said, adding that cargo itself, such as the betel nut bags in this case, can often cause injuries during accidents. Police in Madang have been conducting road safety awareness campaigns to educate the public, but Baim said incidents like this show that more work needs to be done. He assured that an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the accident.

Member for Lae and Deputy Prime Minister, John Rosso, has dismissed calls to split the Lae Electorate, suggesting boundary realignment as a more practical solution. Rosso cautioned that creating new electorates would increase costs and administrative inefficiencies, diverting funds away from service delivery. Instead, he proposed extending Lae’s boundaries to include areas like Yalu, Igam, and up to the Erap River to ensure better services with fewer overheads. “More electorates mean more politicians and higher costs, but not necessarily better services. Realignment will provide the efficiency we need.” Rosso also expressed frustration over not being consulted on the matter, reaffirming his position against dividing Lae.

The Madang Provincial Police have been commended for ensuring peaceful and safe Christmas and Boxing Day celebrations across the province. Madang Rapid Response Network Online Group Administrator, Mr. John Newton Ariku, praised the efforts of PPC Madang, Acting Superintendent Robert Baim and his team for maintaining law and order during the festive season. “The police, under the capable leadership of PPC Baim, did an exceptional job ensuring safety and peace." "Their visible presence, quick responses, and proactive engagement with communities helped prevent criminal activities and fostered a safe environment for everyone to enjoy the celebrations,” Mr. Ariku said. He acknowledged the collective efforts of various stakeholders, including churches, community leaders, and the Community Policing Unit (CPU), who collaborated with law enforcement. “This success was a team effort." "Everyone played their part, and it shows how shared responsibility can create harmony in our communities,” he added. Mr. Ariku also highlighted key incidents handled by police, including their swift action to prevent a potential ethnic clash. He commended the public for their cooperation and improved behavior during the celebrations. As New Year’s celebrations approach, Mr. Ariku called for continued vigilance and collaboration between the police and community groups. “We fully support the police in their heightened patrols for the New Year." "Together, we can ensure celebrations remain safe and enjoyable for everyone,” he said. He concluded with a call for unity. "Let’s welcome the New Year with positive changes in our attitudes and work together for a brighter, safer Madang.”