Morobe Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Chief Superintendent Jacob Singura has reported the arrest of a man allegedly involved in impersonating a police officer to rob a truck loaded with goods valued at around K400,000 in Markham District, Morobe Province.
The incident occurred on November 5, 2024, when the defendant, Noel Fenga, and four accomplices allegedly dressed in police uniforms and set off in a blue, 10-seater vehicle, registered as BGA 613 and owned by Kekam Hire Cars. Their target was a white twin-steer truck carrying 200 cartons of “blangka,” estimated to be worth K400, 000.
Upon locating the truck in Leron Plains, the group reportedly approached and instructed the driver to stop. Mistaking them for police officers, the driver complied. The suspects then restrained him, tying his hands and legs, and blindfolded and gagged him before forcing him into their vehicle. One of the suspects then took control of the truck, driving toward Lae with the hire car trailing.
As they reached Nadzab, the hire car ran out of fuel, and the group stopped at a service station. During this pause, the truck driver managed to free himself and, in an ensuing struggle, forced one of the suspects out of the vehicle. Though another suspect attempted to assault the driver with a knife, he escaped and alerted bystanders, who intervened and detained the defendant while the remaining suspects fled.
Police subsequently arrested Noel Fenga, charging him under Section 97(1)(b) of the PNG Criminal Code for impersonation. Fenga appeared in court on November 13, 2024. Authorities are continuing their investigation, and further charges may follow as the case develops.