Police in Madang have apprehended a 35-year-old man accused of filming and distributing a video of two teenagers in an intimate act at Coronation Drive Reef, a recording that went viral on social media, causing widespread humiliation for the victims.
Madang Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Acting Superintendent Robert Baim, identified the suspect as Mr. Hudson Pinga, of Korogu Village in Wosera Gawi, East Sepik Province.
Pinga, who allegedly recorded the couple during their date, is accused of not only filming but also threatening, insulting, assaulting, harassing, and stealing from them before fleeing the scene.
The suspect surrendered to police following intense social media backlash and discussions with his family. He has been charged under the Cyber Crime Act 2016 with:
– Producing Pornography under Section 17 (1) (a)
– Cyber Bullying under Section 22 (1) (i)During questioning, Pinga admitted to filming the couple with his smartphone and sharing the footage via the SHAREit app to two individuals, whose identities are being withheld as investigations continue. The video was subsequently uploaded to social media platforms, sparking public outrage.
Acting Superintendent Baim confirmed that further arrests are expected as others were involved in circulating the video online. He condemned the act, highlighting the severe emotional and psychological toll on the victims, whose privacy was grossly violated.
“This incident should serve as a strong warning,” Acting Superintendent Baim said.
“What happened was a consensual act between the individuals involved. It does not warrant anyone to intrude into someone else’s privacy unless an offence has been committed. The Cyber Crime Act spells this out clearly. People must learn to think as mature, responsible adults and understand that the law is there to govern everyone equally.”
He urged the public to refrain from sharing such content, warning of legal consequences for cyber harassment and privacy violations.
Police investigations are ongoing.