PNG Police Officer Identified in Rainbow Shopping Centre Shooting

Police in PNG's capital Port Moresby have identified a serving police officer as the alleged gunman involved in a shooting outside Eliseo Rainbow Shopping Centre in Port Moresby yesterday afternoon, with investigations underway into the incident.

The shooting occurred near the Rainbow Big Rooster bus stop, where a man was allegedly shot at by an occupant of an unmarked vehicle as it exited the shopping centre.

Assistant Commissioner of Police for NCD and Central Command, Benjamin Turi, confirmed the incident and said further details were not immediately available.

NCD and Central Command, Benjamin Turi,

Footage circulating on social media appears to show a grey five-door Toyota Land Cruiser leaving the shopping centre before a man allegedly opened fire on another man standing near the bus stop.

The victim was reportedly standing with two other people when the shooting occurred.

In a separate video shared online, the victim, who is from the Highlands region, described his account of the incident.

He claimed the occupants of the unmarked vehicle called out to him as they drove away from the shopping centre. He said he responded that he was heading to Four Mile before turning away and continuing towards the bus stop.

The man alleged that a bullet grazed him before the shooter approached and searched his belongings. The alleged gunman then returned to the vehicle and left the scene.

Speculation on social media has linked the incident to killings reported over the weekend, prompting police to warn the public against spreading unverified information.

The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary confirmed that the alleged shooter was a police officer and would be dealt with accordingly.

ACP Turi called on the public to avoid circulating misleading information that could cause unnecessary fear and concern among residents of the capital.

Police investigations into the shooting and other recent incidents remain ongoing.