NCD Governor Powes Parkop in a statement addressed the pressing need for improved security measures following the killing of a man in Tokarara suburb in Port Moresby.
The attack and killing, which occurred over the weekend was all captured on video.
Parkop highlighted the urgent need for a permanent appointment of the NCD and Central Police Commander, as well as immediate funding for the much-anticipated CCTV Safe City Project as promised by the Prime Minister James Marape in 2023.
Since the riots on January 10, 2024, the police command has only had acting appointments.
Parkop stressed that if the Inquiry has cleared ACP Wagambie, he should be reinstated.
“Otherwise, Acting ACP Peter Guinness should be made permanent so he can develop a better strategy to counter the rise in offenses like armed hold-ups,” he says.
The Governor’s comments come in light of a violent clash where a security officer was reportedly shot dead during an armed robbery at a local store in Tokarara..In response, a gang member was killed in retaliation by the victim’s colleagues and family.
Parkop extended his condolences, stressing that “both deaths are totally unacceptable and cannot be justified under any circumstances.”
He acknowledged the rise in petty crimes and hold-ups, urging both national and local governments to implement social and economic solutions to prevent youth from turning to crime.
“Our ordinary and decent residents are fed up with crime,” he states.
Parkop has called on the police to apprehend those involved in the recent violence, using evidence from widely circulated social media footage.
“I call on the police to intervene quickly to neutralize the situation and ensure the culprits are brought to justice,” he added.
