A police officer was slashed on the hand by an intoxicated vendor while discharging his duties at the Waigani–Morata Bus Stop on Saturday, January 17.
The suspect, a man from Keman village in Enga Province, is now in police custody.
First Constable Frank Michael told PNG SUN that he has since been discharged from hospital following treatment for injuries sustained during the incident.
According to his police brief, Constable Michael said the incident occurred between 3:00pm and 4:00pm while he was driving from the Rainbo Fuel Station towards Waigani.
“Near the Waigani traffic lights, opposite the Waigani Police Station, I saw a group of grown men drinking alcohol in public. They were drunk, stopping people, checking their bags and pockets, and disturbing the public,” he said.
Constable Michael said he initially reversed his vehicle to investigate, but the men ran away upon seeing him. He later proceeded to the Morata–Waigani Market bus stop where he again encountered the same group.
“They were pulling people walking past and robbing weak and vulnerable members of the public. I chased them away using a stick to protect myself,” he said.
While returning to his vehicle near a broken bridge, Constable Michael said he confronted another intoxicated man standing in the middle of the road and shouting at passersby.
“I told him to go home and not to drink alcohol in public, but he became angry and argued with me,” he said.
Constable Michael said the man later armed himself with a bush knife and attacked him from behind.
“He tried to cut my neck, but I turned quickly and blocked the blow. My left hand was badly cut,” he said.
The officer drove himself to Gerehu Hospital for treatment.
Constable Michael said the incident highlights growing concerns about public drinking and criminal activity in Waigani, even in areas close to the police station.
“This is not safe for the public or for police officers,” he said.