ENGA Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Chief Superintendent, Steven Harris on Tuesday 11th August 2026 has arrested a serving ward councilor and handed over to the Criminal Investigation Division officers in Wabag where he was formally charged with accessory after the fact to willful murder.
PPC Harris confirmed that the man would appear before the Court in due course. He said the arrest follows after the killing of two innocent people in Laiagam District on Saturday 01st August 2026. He said the suspect for those killings is an escapee but still remains at large.
PPC said the suspect (escapee) and other remaining escapees should surrender to the nearest police station. He said those who shelter him should understand that harboring and being an accessory is a crime, and it is now also a breach of orders of the National Court.
The National Court of Justice at Wabag made interim orders for Laiagam District on Monday 10th August 2026 that no person is to assemble for tribal fighting or retaliation. No offensive weapons are to be carried in public and unlawfully held guns are to be surrendered to police immediately.
No person is to harbour those responsible for the killings or any escapee from the Wabag cells. No person is to demand the release of anyone lawfully detained, or threaten violence if they are not released, and all persons are to obey lawful directions of the Provincial Police Commander or his delegates. And breach of these orders may be dealt with by criminal charges or contempt of court. The National Court matter returns to Court on Monday 24th August 2026.
PPC Harris said compensation is not an answer to murder. The Supreme Court and National Court of Papua New Guinea have said this for decades. No number of pigs or money restores a life, and no demand backed by threats will move the RPNGC, the Provincial Police Commander, or his officers. He said no threat would intimidate them from doing their job.
“Persons lawfully detained will face the lawful process and they will not be bartered for. Anyone who demands their release, or threatens violence to get it, can expect to be arrested.
“If need be, we will arrest suspects one by one, anytime, any place. In your beds, in any village or city. The reach of the RPNGC extends across the entire country and we will hunt you down,” PPC Harris said.
PPC said the majority law-abiding people of Enga have heard his stance and they stand right behind him. He said no mediation and negotiation with criminals and no more violence.
PPC acknowledged the restraint of the aggrieved families and communities who have chosen the law over retaliation despite grave provocation.
PPC Harris said the matter on the escapees is in the hands of their Internal Affairs Division and that the investigation is being conducted independent of the Provincial Command. He said the RPNCG would pursue this matter to its end.
PPC urged anyone with information about the whereabouts of escapees or those responsible for the killings should contact Wabag or Laiagam Police.
