Mendi

No courthouse, Mendi police in a bind

Resources and logistical support to move detainees and remandees to the nearest courthouse in Ialibu, Nipa or Mt Hagen, is proving to be an administrative and logistical quandary. The only Provincial Correctional Institution has also been closed to accommodate new intakes.

 Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Crimes, Hodges Ette, said it is a daily challenge and continuously exerting serious strain on their meager resources and logistics.

Ten hospitalized after Mendi accident

Southern Highlands acting Provincial Police Commander, Chief Inspector Gideon Kauke, confirmed that the accident occurred at about 5pm on Tuesday, 24 July, at Kiburu road near Mendi town.

Kauke said a ten-seater Land Cruiser, believed to be a hired vehicle, was transporting passengers from Hagen to Tari when the accident happened along the road.

PM O'Neill condemns Tondop’s statement

The PM expressed disappointment that the sidelined PPC saw fit to make statements that were outside his responsibility.

He further urged police on the ground to carry out their duties in maintaining rule of law and investigate offences without interference from politics.

“I am surprised that the PPC appears out of touch, as reports say he was not even present in Mendi when the burning of assets took place.

PM travels to Mendi today

PM will be accompanied by some Members of Parliament including Ministers to reinforce the good work of the members of the Emergency team.

“Southern Highlands Members of Parliament, who are at the centre of election disputes have met with local leaders in Port Moresby and this has resulted in the peace that is in place in Mendi.

Mr O’Neill has again reminded Leaders to not be involved in police investigations currently underway.

“Let the police get on with their work independent of political interference.

Mendi reacts

Reliable sources informed this newsroom that early this afternoon, a group of angry locals, alleged to be supporters of Joseph Kobol, attacked an aircraft belonging to Air Niugini.

Both reports stated that the tyres and propellers to the Dash 8 sustained some damage after which, the aircraft was then set on fire, including Governor Powi’s house in North Kagua.

One source said the mob outnumbered police and army personnel.

The same source said the Court House, Health Department, Education Department offices have also been burnt.

More reports to come.

Mendi dynamite rumour dispelled

This rumour has been dispelled by a reliable source on ground who wishes to remain anonymous, for safety reasons.

The rumour started when a loud bang was heard earlier this week in the direction of the airstrip, which caught the townsfolk off guard.

However, the source confirmed with Loop PNG that the dynamite, which belongs to Carson Pratt Services and Wildcat, was used against the companies.

“One container full of explosives was stolen and a Wildcat branch office at the end of the airstrip was blown up,” it was revealed.

Police deaths blamed on EC inconsistency

A disappointed commissioner for police, Gari Baki said all those election issues that have turned to become law and order issues, are results of inconsistency in some of the decisions that were made by the Electoral Commission.

This is by the electoral officials on ground.

“As a result of that, they tend to become law and order problems, and police have to deal with them.”

He said a classical example is the counting of the Southern Highlands boxes being delayed overtime.

Mendi flights suspended

“This is due to advice from National Airports Corporation that they have had to close the airport due to public intrusions onto the runway, damage to airport facilities and threats to NAC staff,” the firm said in a statement.

Flights PX 860/861 on Sunday 08th, 15th and 22nd October have been suspended while the airline closely monitors the situation.

“If the airport becomes available for operations prior to these dates, Link PNG will re-open these flights for sales.

Commissioner urged to accelerate SHP counting

Candidates Jerry Kiwa, Joe Kobol and Ps Bernard Peter, in a separate press conference in Mt Hagen yesterday, said they have wasted a lot of time and effort already in Mendi and they do not want the counting process to be further delayed.

The candidates pointed out that the Southern Highlands Provincial Seat is no different from other provincial seats.

The formal declaration should have been done already but the former Provincial Returning Officer, Jacob Kurap’s manner in conducting the counting, was not right by declaring the incumbent Governor William Powi.

​Tight security at Mendi counting centre

Everyone, regardless of rankings and titles, have to go through thorough security checks before entering the counting centre.

Even the Provincial Election Manager, Philip Wakias, had to go through checks before entering; the same goes for media personnel.

Mobile phones, bags and cash exceeding K100 are not allowed into the counting centre.