A 34-year-old man has been arrested and charged for allegedly posting threats on social media calling for the closure of the Kiunga-Tabubil Highway and the disruption of operations linked to OK Tedi Mining Limited.
Acting North Fly Provincial Police Commander Inspector Anjap Minata said the suspect was charged under Section 23(4) of the Cybercrime Act 2016 following a complaint lodged by the mining company.
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Police allege the man used a mobile phone to publish messages encouraging communities to unite and block the highway and stop activities at Pump Station KM59.
The suspect was formally arrested after investigations into the social media post, which was reported to have caused concern among company officials.
Police alleged that the suspect posted a message stating: “Awin, Yongom and Ningrum, please let us unite and block off Kiunga Tabubil highway and stop Pump Station KM59 where the Middle Fly and South Fly will stop the Copper Ship.”
According to police, the message was posted on the Fly River Forum Facebook page and subsequently went viral on social media.
Police said executives of OK Tedi Mining Limited, including the Community Relations Manager, felt threatened by the post and reported the matter to authorities.
Following the complaint, police identified and apprehended the suspect before detaining him at the Kiunga Police Station.
In a statement, Inspector Minata warned the public to exercise caution when using social media and electronic devices, stressing that while citizens have constitutional rights, those rights must not infringe on the rights of others.
“Do not abuse your rights. It is time these young generations need to fully understand this. If you have issues, then there are avenues available to sort those issues out amicably,” he said.
“I do not think people of Western Province have issues with the Ok Tedi Mining, so we all need to protect our mine, our future and our pride.”
Inspector Minata also warned that anyone attempting to disrupt mining operations would face arrest and prosecution, describing such actions as illegal.
He said the mine belongs to all Papua New Guineans and must be protected.