The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) has made a call out to both the Correctional Services (CS) and the Papua New Guinea Defense Force (PNGDF) to assist with the special operations that will be taking place here in the nation’s capital in light of the recent ethnic clashes that almost crippled the city a few days ago.
Police Commissioner, David Manning, in his response to the call out by the Prime Minister, stated that due to recent events that have occurred in the city, they have devised a solution to curb the recent spike of crime in the city.
“We will be requesting from the PNGDF and the CS Commissioner to provide support with additional support in order for us to address the challenges that we are facing,” he said.
He added that what this means for residents in the city is that there will be a greater presence of servicemen and women from all 3 disciplinary forces, further stating that it’s not just a matter of numbers, but there are specific targets that they will be looking out for.
Meanwhile, the commissioner also explained that the cause of the recent ethnic clash between the groups from Hela and Eastern Highland, was because of a drug deal going wrong.
“Somewhere along the transaction of drugs and payment for the drugs, it caused tensions and that quickly escalated to violence that erupted,” Commissioner Manning said.
According to police findings at the Gordons Police Station, the transaction is said to have occurred at Kerema Town in Gulf Province leading to the death of a Hela man.
Manning also elaborated that the city is facing many challenges and they are not only ethnic based. As a result of a discussion held between all the officers concerned, the police force will be embarking on a more deliberate intervention to deal with the challenges in the city.