PNG Opposition Leader Demands Police Leadership Accountability After Tsak Valley Bloodshed

Horror gripped Enga Province early this week after six people were killed and three injured in a police operation in Tsak Valley. Papua New Guinea Opposition Leader James Nomane has urged the resignation of the Police Minister and Commissioner of Police, describing the actions of the Kumul 23 unit as “a grave abuse of power.”

PNG Opposition Leader Demands Police Leadership Accountability After Tsak Valley Bloodshed

Reports from provincial authorities detail that the raid, conducted at 3:00am by 26 officers, was “unprovoked and unauthorized.” Teams split and opened fire on unarmed civilians, leaving families devastated. Among the victims was Margret Kaki, killed in her sleep, and Pastor Joshua Tati, who reportedly suffered severe assault before dying.

Nomane said the incident revealed a deep failure in police oversight and discipline, questioning whether elite units like Kumul 23 are being misused. “This is not what the Constitution allows; the people deserve protection, not terror,” he said.

The brief highlighted that Wapenamanda and Wabag police were not notified, and the operation was not sanctioned by Enga Police Command, raising concerns over violations of the Police Force Act. If verified, these actions may constitute unlawful killings and grievous bodily harm under the Criminal Code.

Kumul 23, established under the Anti-Terrorism Act, is mandated to respond to high-risk threats, not conduct raids on peaceful communities. Nomane warned that repeated leadership failures continue to erode public trust and compromise safety.

“Papua New Guineans should be confident in their police, but right now, that trust is broken,” Nomane said. “The Minister and Commissioner must take responsibility for this failure.”