Violence broke out at Nawaeb Block on Monday afternoon following escalating tensions between two factions, prompting a strong police response. Lae Metropolitan Commander Chief Superintendent Chris Kunyanban confirmed that the conflict stemmed from an incident last weekend when a taxi belonging to a member of one faction was held up by criminals in the area. In retaliation, the taxi driver allegedly attacked and seriously injured one of the suspects. “The suspect was later rescued by his associates from Angau Hospital and, over the weekend, they gathered in numbers, demanding compensation from the other faction,” Kunyanban said. Attempts to settle the…
Author: Martha LOUIS
Lae Metropolitan Commander, Chief Superintendent Chris Kunyanban, has commented on the recent court ruling involving 14 Unitech students found guilty of consuming alcohol in a public place. The students appeared before Lae District Court Magistrate Nasiling Bingtau on March 3, 2025, where they pleaded guilty to the charges. Magistrate Bingtau convicted the students and imposed a fine of K4,000 each. Alternatively, they could face a two-year sentence in the Industrial Handling Labour (IHL) program at Buimo Correctional Service. During sentencing, the Magistrate stressed the students’ potential as future leaders, saying, “You 14 are the future leaders, but your actions do…
Deputy Commissioner of Police Dr. Philip Mitna has addressed the financial challenges facing police operations in rural areas, citing that funding allocations are determined by population size and provincial priorities. He emphasized that the operational needs of the police frontlines are crucial, with administrative support playing a vital role. “We won’t solve this problem overnight, but we are taking steps to address key issues like accommodation, uniforms, and operational support at divisional and specialist levels,” Dr. Mitna stated. He acknowledged that some provinces receive less funding than others, a situation determined by the current allocation system. “We can increase funding…
Deputy Police Commissioner Dr. Philip Mitna has announced a crackdown on retired officers still living in police barracks despite receiving their entitlements. Dr. Mitna said some retirees have been allowed to stay due to their expertise in prosecution and investigations, but others are occupying space needed for new recruits. “We have a retirement program, but funding is limited,” he said. “If retirees have been paid, they have no reason to remain, and we will enforce evictions.” The enforcement will start in the National Capital District and major centers before expanding to districts. The police force also plans to demolish outdated…
A series of police raids conducted by the Zulu/Sector Patrol Unit in Madang on February 18, 2025, led to a shootout with armed criminals, the seizure of illegal firearms, and the apprehension of a suspect, police confirmed. Madang Provincial Police Commander, Acting Superintendent Robert Baim, said the raids took place in Siar village, Biliau Maus Rot settlement (BMR), and Sisiak 2, targeting criminal activity in the district. The first incident occurred at 7:30 a.m. near Coffee Mill, close to RD Tuna Cannery along the North Coast Road, where an attempted armed hold-up resulted in an exchange of gunfire between criminals…
A devastating incident unfolded on Bagbag Island in Madang Province, resulting in the tragic death of 23-year-old Shammika Pantumari. The young woman was fatally stabbed on Saturday evening, allegedly by Salul Kiari, a 24-year-old man from Swit village in Raikos District. Kiari has since been arrested and charged with wilful murder. Shammika Pantumari, the daughter of Senior Constable Joe Pantumari of the Madang Police, had traveled to the island with a singsing group from Yabob village. They were attending a funeral ceremony, a traditional gathering that turned into a scene of tragedy. The attack occurred between 6:30 pm and 7:30…
The Trukai Smart Farmers Training program is equipping farmers in Markham District with the skills to grow rice using the Irrigated Rice Farming method, providing them with opportunities to sustain their livelihoods and venture into rice farming as a business. According to Karo Nanivah, Team Leader of Radza Corporative Society, the training program is structured into four key modules designed to enhance farmers’ knowledge and practical skills. “The first module introduces farmers to the rice crop, its growth phases, stages, and overall development.” “The second module focuses on selecting suitable environments for irrigated rice farming, designing paddocks, managing fields, and…
A police operation in Madang to capture wanted criminal Yaks Linus Wanamari ended with his escape after he was wounded during a confrontation with law enforcement. Wanamari, 24, from Manjuat village in East Sepik, is facing multiple serious charges including murder, arson, armed robbery, and rape. The incident unfolded early Monday morning when police responded to a report of Wanamari threatening a resident at RD Cannery Ltd with a homemade firearm. Upon arriving at the scene, police pursued Wanamari into nearby shrubs. Acting Provincial Police Commander Robert Baim confirmed that Wanamari was shot in the leg after resisting arrest. He…
As Papua New Guinea gears up for its 50th Independence Anniversary, Acting Superintendent Robert Baim, the Madang Provincial Police Commander, has issued a heartfelt call for unity among the residents of the province’s six districts. He emphasized the importance of celebrating this historic milestone with a spirit of togetherness and assured the public of a safe and peaceful event. In his address, Baim reflected on the significance of the anniversary as a time for both reflection and celebration. “This is an opportunity for us to come together, honor our shared identity, and embrace the rich cultural heritage that defines us…
The Madang Provincial Police Commander has strongly condemned the sexual assault of a three-and-a-half-year-old girl, describing it as a disturbing and inhumane crime. Acting Superintendent Robert Baim told PNG HAUSBUNG that the actions of the suspect are abhorrent and completely unacceptable in our society. “We will ensure that justice is served and that such crimes are met with the full force of the law.” According to police reports, the incident occurred on December 29, 2024, in the DCA Settlement area. The suspect allegedly lured the victim and her one-year-old brother to a secluded area behind James Barnes Cannery, where the…