Buses throughout Port Moresby have once again stopped operating since yesterday afternoon due to an alleged attack on a route 17 driver at Manu Autoport yesterday.
According to an eyewitness, the bus driver was assaulted by police officers after he had turned his bus at a wrong corner, causing traffic congestion.
It has been alleged that the driver was brutally beaten up and is now nursing very serious injuries.
This incident has caused at least a majority of PMVs to cease operations.
Responding to this allegation against police officers, NCD superintendent operations, Commander Fred Tundu, said they have been made aware of this situation however, they are calling on the victim and other witnesses to come forward to place formal complaints.
He said there needs to be a thorough look into the incident to determine the actions of the police officers. If formal reports are placed, the internal affairs unit can carry out investigations into this matter.
The roads in Port Moresby and especially main bus stops were empty; the public, including students, were stranded, with some forced to walk miles, braving the scorching Port Moresby heat.
A middled-aged nurse, who had been on night shift at the Port Moresby General Hospital, was disappointed to find out that buses had stopped operating. All she wanted was to go home and rest.
While some residents condemned the action of the bus driver, others raised concern on how this strike has impacted their daily routine.
Tundu said police are monitoring the situation and will look into the matter immediately.