Eastern Highlands Provincial Police Commander

Superintendent David Siene Junior said the Court-ordered recount is currently taking place at the Goroka Council Chambers.

He said so far it has been peaceful.

While calling for supporters and candidates to continue to observe the peaceful process, Siene reminds them not to get involved in activities that will disrupt the recount as it could amount to contempt of Court.

“Whatever the results, it is for the Court to make the decision. I don’t expect anyone to make decisions that will have implications on the counting.”

Eastern Highlands Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent David Siene Jr, said the deceased was among three other male youths who recently attempted to rob an Asian shop in Goroka Town.

Their attempt was foiled by security guards who also alerted police.

PPC Siene said when police pursued the failed robbers, they were shot at.

Police shot back and killed one of them instantly while the others fled.

Eastern Highlands provincial police commander, Alex N’Drasel, said around 4 to 5 armed men entered the bank’s Priority Banking area and robbed a BSP client.

They took off with K567,000 cash.

PPC N’Drasel said between 10am and 11am, the robbers drove into the Priority Banking area and parked there.

Soon after, the accountant of Shanda Trading, including an Asian man and their driver, drove into the parking lot.

When the female accountant stepped out of the vehicle to enter the bank, the men got out with high powered guns and held them up.

Eastern Highlands Provincial Police Commander, Alex N’Drasal, confirmed that the incident was caused by a minority of people, who were chased by those attending the rally.

A stone throwing fight soon broke out but police intervened.

Prime Minister and PNC Party leader, Peter O’Neill, was on ground to show support for his PNC party candidates in EHP on Tuesday.  

O’Neill told Loop PNG that disturbance was caused by a few people under the influence of alcohol.

“People sat down and listened for over 45 minutes of my speech,” said the PM.