The public is increasingly worried about their safety during daily activities in Port Moresby, such as going to schools, markets, or work. This concern follows a recent outbreak of violence involving ethnic groups, including street vendors and bus drivers, during a clash at Gordons Market on Friday, October 18th, which highlighted ongoing issues of crime in the city. The incident began when a bus driver and his crew intervened to stop a thief from stealing from a woman at a bus stop, leading to violent retaliation from the suspect's colleagues and damage to PMV buses nearby. NCD Metropolitan Superintendent, Silva Sika stated, "Crime is a never-ending thing and we the Police are doing our best in reducing the crime rates in the city as much as possible," further urging the public to remain vigilant since police may not always be present when incidents occur. "People involved are being looked into by the Police and operations are being carried out to prevent further escalation on the issue," Sika assured the public. Fortunately, he noted that no one sustained critical injuries during the clash, stressing that "the Capital City is a place where people must be civilized in their actions." He noted that, "The generation today is not like the past," urging the public to stay alert for their own safety and that of others. Meantime, Gordon's bus stop has resumed normalcy, with its usual bustle of activities.

The Acting Police Commander for North Fly Command in the Western Province, Inspector Anjap Minata says a male suspect is in police custody and formal charges will be laid against him for allegedly murdering his wife, a mother of two kids. PPC Minata said the suspect Nafi Yagea, aged 32 would be formally arrested and charged for wilful murder under Section 299 (a) of the Criminal Code Act when police established all necessary information. He said the suspect is from Iginamabi village in Nomad Local Level Government (LLG) in Middle Fly District in the Western province. He said the deceased, Ms Masabi Soka, aged 22, is from Igimi village and from the same LLG. He said the incident took place on Tuesday October 08th between 7pm-9pm at Gretutu corner at Kiunga Urban Local Level Government (LLG) in the North Fly District, Western Province. “Police alleged that the suspect slashed the deceased twice on her head and chopped her legs with bush knives." “The deceased was rushed to the Kiunga District Hospital but later died due to loss of blood from the wounds sustained,” PPC Minata said. PPC further added that the suspect allegedly had negative thoughts against his wife with suspicion of affairs and started slashing her which resulted in her death. Mr Minata said the body of the deceased is now at the Kiunga Morgue for post-mortem to be conducted to establish facts to the cause of the deaths as required by the law. He said it was also part of the police investigation. PPC Anjap Minata, said the suspect escaped police arrest after the incident but was arrested later by a lone auxiliary officer who acted on a tip off and apprehended and locked him at Kiunga Police Station awaiting his charges when police establish all the necessary information. “I appeal to all the surrounding communities to respect the rule of law and live accordingly." “This act is uncalled for in our community." "Husbands are to protect their wives because they are a part of them when they are married." PPC Minata said they have family systems in place to sort out issues within marriages and other avenues rather than taking the law into one's own hands. He further thanked the local leaders for working together with the police in providing information which made the work of police easier in apprehending and locking up the suspect.

It was an exciting day for several Central Police Officers who were conferred their promotional ranks. In the small but significant event on Thursday, October 17th at the Central Provincial Headquarters in Gordons, a select group of dedicated police officers from the Central Province Police Command were recognized for their service and promoted to new ranks. The parade, led by Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) - NCD/CENTRAL Command, Peter Guinness, saw three senior officers rise to new positions, alongside 23 others who were also promoted in what was a symbolic moment for the force. Kicking off the ceremony was Joseph Salle, now promoted from Senior Inspector to Chief Inspector. Salle, who has served as the Provincial Police Commander (PPC) for Central since May 2024, continues in his leadership role with greater responsibility and recognition. His promotion was celebrated as an acknowledgment of his dedication and ongoing contributions to maintaining law and order in the region. Joining Salle in the spotlight was Inspector Martin Aikelave, who rose from Chief Sergeant to Inspector and is now confirmed as the Rural Police Station Commander (RPSC) for Bereina. Aikelave’s promotion solidifies his leadership within the Bereina police force, a position he had been acting in prior to this formal recognition. Alongside him, Inspector Ken Pamenda also received a well-earned promotion. Formerly the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of Highway Patrol, Pamenda has now been elevated to the rank of Inspector and remains responsible for overseeing the administration of the Central Police Command Headquarters (CPPHQ). While the three commissioned officers were highlighted, the promotion list extended across the command, which include, Inspector Jack Wesil was promoted from Chief Sergeant to Inspector and is confirmed as the Station Commander for Kupiano. Chief Sergeant Bobby Ogara, now promoted from Sergeant, will continue as the RPSC for Kwikila Police Station. Other notable promotions include Senior Sergeant Jerome William, who remains the OIC for Administration Central, and Sergeant William Hoiba, who is now confirmed as the OIC for Transport Central. For the officers present, the day marked more than just new ranks; it was a recognition of their hard work, discipline, and dedication. ACP Guiness acknowledged their promotions and said he was pleased to see officers stepping up to the ranks and encourages them to keep up the good work and is looking forward to working with them to polish up on discipline. He stressed on the importance of these promotions, stating that they would significantly boost the leadership capacity of the Central Province Police Command, further urging the newly promoted officers to uphold higher standards of discipline as they take on their new roles.