Acting National Capital District Metropolitan Superintendent Mazuc Rubiang has issued a strong warning to the public about the consequences of defamation on social media.
He emphasized that there are laws in place to arrest and charge those who commit such offences, urging everyone to be respectful online and offline.
“We must respect each other when we are online or offline.”
“We are all different and we react to things differently. It is better to mind your own business than talking about others who are minding their own business,” Rubiang stated.
This statement followed the arrest of 51-year-old Samson Komati from Hagen Central in the Western Highlands province.
Komati was charged with two counts of defamatory publication under the Cybercrime Code Act 2016 after he posted defamatory content about Police Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jr.
According to police investigators, it was alleged that on September 13, 2024, Komati used social media platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook to publish defamatory materials that caused discontent against the Police Minister.
On Tuesday, October 22, 2024, Komati was contacted by the police and asked to present himself at Boroko Police Station.
He complied and arrived at the station the next day (Wednesday, October 23rd), where the police explained the allegations against him.
Superintendent Rubiang confirmed that Komati was formally charged, informed of his constitutional rights, and detained in the police cells.
He also clarified that Komati remains innocent until proven guilty and will have his chance to defend himself in court once his documents are prepared.