A quick response by police officers from the Central Provincial Police Command has contained the fight at Kupiano station in Abau, Central Province. Central Provincial Police Commander Chief Inspector Joseph Salle confirmed that the situation at Kupiano station is now under control, and police are currently obtaining information regarding how the fight started, which led to an old man being seriously injured.
PPC Salle stated that Kupiano police officers were quick to respond and advised the people who were about to cause more problems to stop fighting, because if they disobey orders from the police, they will be arrested. He mentioned that, with the limited manpower they have, they managed to contain the situation.
“Two police units from the Central Provincial Police Headquarters and a unit from Kwikila had been deployed to assist the Kupiano officer. The counting for the LLG president that was supposed to commence at Kupiano yesterday was put on hold, awaiting the arrival of the police officers from Port Moresby to Kupiano station. We had received information about armed men traveling from Port Moresby to Kupiano station in support of the fight, and we are looking into that. Police are communicating with the community to ensure that those who want to take the law into their own hands will be arrested and charged,” PPC Salle said.
He further added that the counting for the LLG president will commence tomorrow, as per information provided by the election officials. He also called on the people of Wanigela, who are fighting, to stop fighting and observe the election peacefully. He said voting had been completed, and they are now into the counting and declaration of their leader.
PPC Salle also thanked the Central Police Rural Commander and his team for their quick response.
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