Members of the public in Wapenamanda and other parts of the Upper Highlands have been urged to send any helpful information on criminals, illegal guns and ongoing crimes to a newly established Information Collection and Analysis Unit as security forces step up efforts to restore law and order.
Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police for the Highlands Western End and Commander of the Special Policing Zone, Joseph T Tondop, said the State Security Forces (SSFs) are facing an escalating crime situation in Enga Province, including Wapenamanda, and nearby areas in Southern Highlands and Hela.
“We are in the middle of a serious situation where crime is rapidly getting out of control, but we are doing our very best to get on top of it,” Mr. Tondop said. “However, information is a critical tool, and we need the support of the public.”
Mr. Tondop said the National Government has deployed a Special Task Force led by Commander Wagambie Junior to help contain the violence and restore the rule of law across the Upper Highlands.
He said as the Divisional Commander, he has also set up a special unit within his command team to collect, analyze and use information from the public to guide operations. Related article on Wapenamanda crimes: https://emtv.com.pg/?p=227744
He stressed that law and order is not the responsibility of police alone. “Crime affects everyone. We must work together to protect our communities, our families and the future of our children,” he said.
Mr. Tondop assured the public that SSFs are not in the Highlands to intimidate or harass people. “We are here to ensure our women are safe, our men are not murdered going about their daily lives, and homes are not destroyed,” he said.
He said police are aware that the same firearms are being moved between tribal conflicts across Enga and other provinces, sometimes hired out and transported through routes such as the Baiyer Road and from Western Highlands.
Mr. Tondop called on peace-loving citizens to provide information on gun suppliers, users of illegal weapons, supply routes, people hosting hired gunmen, and their hiding locations.
“All information will be treated in strict confidence. We will not ask for your identity, and your number will not be revealed,” he said. “Send information, including photos, by text or WhatsApp to 72482495.”
He said criminals involved in violence are not heroes but pose a serious threat to society and must be brought to justice to ensure lasting peace and development in the Highlands.