PNG Police Commander Confirms Arrest of Officer in Rainbow Shooting

The police officer accused of shooting and injuring a man at Rainbow in Port Moresby has been arrested in Alotau, Milne Bay Province, National Capital District and Central Provinces Police Commander Benjamin Turi has confirmed.

The suspect was taken into custody following a joint operation involving police personnel from several commands, with Turi acknowledging the assistance provided by Milne Bay Provincial Police Commander Chief Inspector Ben Kua and his officers.

 PNG Police Commander Confirms Arrest of Officer in Rainbow Shooting/Photo supplied

The November 3 shooting prompted police investigations and efforts to locate the officer allegedly responsible for the incident.

Commander Turi said intelligence gathering and cooperation between police units eventually led to the suspect's arrest in Alotau.

He confirmed that arrangements would be made for the officer to face charges for the alleged offences.

The commander also thanked members of the public who assisted police in locating the suspect, while recognising the injured man's relatives for respecting the investigation and allowing officers to perform their duties.

Turi used the arrest to reinforce the principle that police personnel must be accountable for their actions, regardless of their rank or position within the constabulary.

He said officers accused of criminal conduct should present themselves to police rather than attempting to evade arrest and forcing authorities to commit additional resources to finding them.

"We all know that no one is above the law, even if you are a police officer. If you know that you have committed an offence, you must surrender and let the law deal with you. It is not good for you to run and make the police spend time and resources," Turi said.

The police commander also provided an update on security in Rainbow, saying the situation had stabilised following the earlier incident.

He warned those allegedly threatening people who visit the area to access services that police would take action against anyone involved in intimidation or other unlawful activities.

Residents have been urged to report such behaviour rather than take matters into their own hands.

Turi said police were continuing their efforts to restore confidence in law enforcement and ensure Port Moresby remained safe for everyone.