The National Capital District (NCD) Metropolitan Superintendent, Silva Sika, has come out to say that there should be no protest whatsoever to be staged tomorrow by PMV bus drivers in the city, over the shooting of one of their colleagues by police on Saturday afternoon at the Manu Auto- Port Bus Stop.
The city’s police boss said this after a message was circulated on social media today about a planned stop work by PMV bus driver and a protest to be staged over the shooting incident.
Mr. Sika told PNG HAUSBUNG that the incident was unfortunate but a police officer was forced to use excessive force after the driver had struggled and resisted the police officer’s directives, stressing that the officer made a reasonable decision, and the planned protest is based on misconception, speculations and fake news spread on social media to ignite fear among the public.
“There has been no formal notice to police for a protest, so there will be no protest,” added the Met. Supt.
“The rule of law must not be tested by citizens who do not understand and absent minded of law and order, especially from people leaving their native homes and settling in the modern city setting.”
“You will not get away if you create problems amounting to lawlessness, this is not your backyard,” he said.
Furthermore, the Met .Supt. warns people circulating false information to stop scaring the innocent public and that they will face serious consequences if they are caught spreading false information, especially on such a sensitive matter.
Mr. Sika concluded by reiterating that the people must go about their daily routines tomorrow without fear of anything.
“The police will remain committed to enforcing law and order in the city, ” said the NCD Met. Supt.
Meanwhile, the victim of this police shooting remains in a critical condition at the Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH).
The Emergency and Accident Doctor in Charge, Dr. Mangu Kendino, confirmed with PNG HAUSBUNG that the victim was brought in by police officers in their vehicle with a gunshot wound to the pelvis, which had caused him to go into shock.
The doctors attended to him and treated his wounds and had him admitted in the emergency ward at the PMGH for surgery and recovery.
However, she is yet to check on his progress and therefore, unable to confirm the status of his current condition .