Sibron Papoto

Provincial police commander, Sibron Papoto, says the unit has been reinstated as of two weeks back with members and vehicles relegated to them.

There are presently 22 new members along with two vehicles assigned to help the unit carry out police work.

PPC Papoto says the rationale behind the reinstatement of the unit is to help with the identified law and order issues along the highway communities.

PPC Papoto was speaking in response to the recent police harassment allegations by PMV operators along the Hiritano Highway.

He explained that he will be looking at this case personally and make the appropriate charges once officers are identified.

Earlier this week, PMV operators raised the issue of illegal road checks and large fines charged by police in unmarked vehicles.

Papoto said the Office of the Crime Division in Port Moresby reported that Southern Highlands Province alone achieved a 90 per cent rating for successfully prosecuting and convicting major crimes in the province.

He attributed this success to the support provided to the police by the provincial government over the years.