PNG police clamp down on illegal vending at city bus stops

 PNG police clamp down on illegal vending at city bus stops

Police in Port Moresby have been ordered to clear out illegal vendors operating at the capital's busiest bus stops, as authorities move to tighten public safety across the National Capital District. The directive, issued by Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police for NCD/Central, Chief Superintendent Benjamin Turi, targets crowded vending spots that officers say have become a magnet for criminal activity.

ACP Turi handed down the order during a parade held at Gerehu Police Station last Friday, instructing his officers to fan out to major bus stops across the city and put an immediate stop to street selling in those areas.

According to ACP Turi, overcrowded vending areas create the perfect cover for criminals to blend into the crowd and prey on unsuspecting commuters.

"When we have people crowded doing unnecessary vending at the bus stops and shopping centres, you are pulling in criminals to mix around or mingle around with the crowd and rob phones," he said.

The senior police officer made it clear that force was not required to carry out the operation. Instead, he directed officers to maintain a visible presence at key locations, including the Gordons bus stop, to enforce the new rule.

Gordons has already been cleared of vendors under the operation, with police now shifting their attention to Waigani.

ACP Turi handed responsibility to the Police Station Commander for Waigani to keep the pressure on once the initial clean-up is done.

"PSC Waigani, as soon as we finish, it is your duty to continue patrolling, checking and making sure that there are no vendors crowded in bus stops and shopping centres," he said.

From there, the operation is set to extend to Manu and Hohola, before police return to Gerehu, where the crackdown began.

ACP Turi also used the parade to caution his officers against overstepping their authority, warning that assaulting members of the public or using abusive language would not be tolerated within the constabulary.

He told officers not to be discouraged by public pushback, urging them instead to respond properly to complaints and assist people whenever their help is needed.