Enga PPC George Kakas

Speaking to TVWAN News, PPC George Kakas said the Kii-Kambeperep tribe in Teremanda and the Kal tribe in Amala were present to sign the MoU for peace, and have agreed to maintain it.

Six weeks of fighting between these tribes had cost many lives – with over 30 unreported deaths, according to locals. The confirmed death toll stands at 12, including the two police officers during the counting period.

Enga Provincial Police Commander, Chief Superintendent George Kakas, confirmed that roadblocks have also been set up to stop the extraction of the ballot boxes.

Kakas said because of the delays, candidates and supporters resorted to attacking each other.

Kakas also confirmed that a policeman was also wounded in Wapenamanda whilst trying to extract ballot boxes from Tsak valley.

The policeman, who is attached to the Mobile squad 4, has been airlifted to Port Moresby for treatment.

He said the matter is now a criminal matter and police are still investigating.

The Provincial Police Commander is adamant to uncover the theft which happened inside the police station yard last month.

The incident happened in October when unknown persons broke open the container containing the ballot boxes and stole only the two boxes that were not exhausted during the Court ordered recount, which ended two weeks earlier.

PPC Kakas says Enga does not experience law and order problems that are common throughout the country.

“Ninety-five percent of issues we face are tribal issues, only 5 percent are other issues like domestic violence.”

PPC Kakas said more than 60 deaths were recorded from the eight tribal fights since January this year.  

But with a new approach of community policing, it has resulted in Police being able to stop the tribal fights.

The boxes contain the 2012 National Election votes for Kandep Open Electorate.      

Electoral Commissioner Patilias Gamato told Loop PNG that “(the) matter is in Court so our lawyers will go back to inform the Court”.

Enga Provincial Police Commander George Kakas confirmed the theft and said police investigators are trying to “establish the motive”.

Polye leads the pack with 8,131 votes, followed by Alfred Manase on 2,955 votes and in third position is Herman Anep with 1,286 votes.          

The recount started on Saturday after lunch following continuous delay caused by unavailability of a counting venue and also action by supporters of the sitting MP who claimed that the ballot boxes was tempered with.    

Enga Provincial Police Commander George Kakas says he already issued warning to candidates’ supporters that if they cause trouble, their candidates will be held responsible.

He said all ballot boxes are safe and in a container, where the lock will be cut, witnessed by the PNG Electoral Commission staff, Police, candidates and their scrutinizers, before counting proceeds.

PPC Kakas is confident his command will provide adequate security during the duration of the counting.