The Kulapi community in Porgera District, Enga has ensured the safe return of a Police firearm 24-hours after it was taken from Police in September this year.
The firearm – a K1 Kia weapon – was taken when some members of the Royal PNG Constabulary (RPNGC) Mobile Squad Six (MS6) from Mt Hagen, on police operations in Porgera District, got involved in a motor vehicle accident.
The fully loaded firearm, similar to an Assault Rifle 15 (AR15) ended up in the hands of a civilian after a Toyota troop carrier driven downhill by an officer in the company of colleagues, reportedly ran off the road and landed about 10 metres downhill.
According to Kulapi community leader George Yopo, the firearm was in the hands of a man who was not a member of the Kulapi community, and who was headed for the Mt Kare area with the weapon.
He said it was an uncomfortable situation for members of his community when the Police firearm went missing near Kulapi.
“You will blame us because the gun went missing in Kulapi, but who actually took the gun, we didn’t know. The weapon belongs to the government and we are stakeholders and so we are returning it so you can work and look after it and look after the community”, Mr Yopo told police.
On behalf of police contingent commander Chief Inspector Nelson Chanei, the police operations commander Chief Sergeant Ak Kukuma was on hand to receive the firearm.
“You have done a good thing…the cooperation. You must maintain the leadership you have shown”, he said adding many police firearms go missing and many are never returned.
Kukuma was particularly thankful to the Kulapi leaders and councillors for working tirelessly overnight with their community to ensure the safe return of the firearm.
He was also thankful to Porgera mine operator Barrick (Niugini) Limited (“BNL”) for working with the Kulapi leaders to return the firearm.
BNL Community Relations and Engagement Superintendent Bernard Philipae told those who gathered that the Kulapi community has a very close association with the mine through thick and thin.
“They know that they have a mine that they have given many of their land to, so they take ownership and look after the mine and those that come in.
“This mine attracts people from all over the country and so we must maintain what we have just done,” he said as he called on those from outside Porgera but live and work at the mine, to follow the good examples of the local landowners.
Ward councillor for Anawe, Kulapi and Panandaka Jim Yope called on Police officers to work together with the community to maintain a good relationship.
Picture: Mr Kukuma (second from left) receives the firearm from Mr Yope as some Kulapi locals and MS6 Commander Sgt John Palau (left) look on.