PNG City Watch Officers Attacked in Broad Daylight Near Vision City, Four Suspects Detained

Four male suspects are being held at the Six Mile Police Station following a violent attack on Port Moresby City Watch officers near the overhead bridge linking Vision City and Range View shopping centres in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, on Thursday.

 PNG City Watch Officers Attacked in Broad Daylight Near Vision City, Four Suspects Detained

The assault, which occurred along Waigani Drive, was captured on a mobile phone video that has since circulated widely on social media. The footage shows a man armed with a bush knife repeatedly slashing at a City Watch security officer while other officers were also targeted during the confrontation.

City Watch officers were engaged by the National Capital District Commission to help maintain order in public areas by ensuring bus stops, median strips and other public spaces remain clean, safe and free from illegal street vendors.

Since the officers began carrying out their duties, authorities say the areas between Boroko Traffic lights, Waigani Traffic and the Waigani Office precinct have shown noticeable improvement, with fewer illegal vendors and better public cleanliness.

Management from the Port Moresby City Watch told PNG Sun that three officers were injured in the attack and were taken to hospital for treatment.

Police said the confrontation followed the arrest of one of the suspects on Thursday for unlawfully selling betel nut and cigarettes at an undesignated bus stop outside Vision City.

Authorities believe the attack may have been retaliation after a group of men, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, gathered and mobilised others before confronting the officers.