The public in Port Moresby were left stranded after Public Motor Vehicle (PMV) operators serving the number 9 and number 7 routes opted to go on a strike and stop work this afternoon after two PMV buses were allegedly damaged by police officers.
The incident took place at the Waigani bus stop area where eyewitnesses at the scene claimed that the buses had their windscreens broken by police.
According to one of the PMV operators, the drivers have come together to show their frustration and support for their colleagues by stopping the bus service this afternoon.
He said they will be taking this matter up with the proper authorities to address because its harassment on the part of the police to be doing this and this is not the first of such incidents.
Police officers and vehicles were also present at the Waigani bus stop and the traffic lights area to control the flow of traffic and negotiated with the operators to calm the situation down.
A senior officer at the scene urged the operators that were attacked to make a formal complaint with police so that the matter can be properly investigated.
Meanwhile, people including school students were seen walking from Gerehu up to Waigani and even from Vision City down to Waigani in the afternoon heat.
The operators on strike were also seen stopping the other PMV buses still running, ordering them to support them with the strike by stop operating the routes.