Over a hundred supporters of incumbent Eastern Highlands Governor, Peter Numu and the Governor himself have been arrested and put into police custody.
133 supporters are now being detained at the Goroka Police Station.
Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Michael Welly advised that the 100+ supporters were arrested after lunch yesterday afternoon, after attempting to stop counting for the regional seat and demanded that the incumbent Governor be declared.
“Just after lunch my security personnel had to move in and arrest the supporters,” he said.
The Supt. further stated that this was a culmination of emotions over the past week or so, due to the current Governors favorable stance on tally for the regional seat.
Truckloads of supporters congregated at the counting centre, demanding the declaration of Numu, even as the personnel advised them that the move to declare him without the completion of the counting process was not a legal and that counting would continue.
“In the midst of the crowd, slingshots were fired at the security personnel. That frustrated our men, who have been working day and night, trying to make sure that we have a peaceful counting process and delivering our leaders,” Supt. Welly stated.
That incited the incident and eventually followed the supporters to the Governor’s residence, resulting in their arrest, along with the governor and his close protection officer.
They were all taken to the Goroka Police Station but due to the limited capacity, 33 were transported to another detaining facility, whilst they prepare a court file for their court appearances.
The governor is also detained at the police station and is waiting on their court file to appear in court and will be given a chance to apply for bail.
PC: Romcii Froster