PNG Police Identify Alleged Officer in Eight Mile Shooting

Police in the National Capital District have identified an alleged police unit believed to be involved in the fatal shooting of a young man at Eight Mile Last Block.

Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police NCD/Central, Chief Superintendent Benjamin Turi, confirmed yesterday that both the police vehicle and officers who were inside it at the time of the incident have been identified. He said investigations commenced immediately after the matter was reported on Monday night.

Mr Turi said information supplied promptly by members of the public, including the vehicle’s description and registration number, assisted investigators in tracing those allegedly involved. He acknowledged the cooperation shown by the Eight Mile community.

Police teams from the Criminal Investigation Division, Dog Unit and Special Services Division, under the direction of NCD Metropolitan Superintendent Operations Commander Chief Inspector Tobby Hamago, visited the area yesterday morning to speak with relatives of the deceased and community leaders.

“The situation was tense last night when the incident happened, but good communication from police officers from Gorodons, Seven Mile, and others led to a better understanding,” Mr Turi said.

“This understanding allowed the relatives of the deceased to permit the police to visit the crime scene and continue their investigation. I believe in the community and police working together, and we have seen a lot of change in the city in the last few months since community engagement groups were established in each area.”

He thanked local leaders for ensuring that grievances were expressed peacefully and urged them to keep Eight Mile Road open to the public. Chief Inspector Hamago assured residents that those responsible would be arrested and charged.

The deceased has been identified by community leaders as an 18-year-old man from Eastern Highlands Province who had lived in the settlement with his father for more than 10 years. Mr Turi said the situation remains tense but under control, with police maintaining a visible presence in the area.