NCD Mass Attack

Prime Minister James Marape in a press conference on Monday 25 July joined by Assistant Commissioner for Police NCD/Central, Anthony Wagambie Jnr, gave assurance that the authorities are working around the clock to ensure order is restored in the city.

The Prime Minister sternly warned law breakers that the country has no place for them. Marape said regardless of the individuals being a candidate, scrutineer, or part of the electoral process, lawlessness will not be tolerated.

Andapanga is concerned that members of the public have thrown some blame at him and his supporters for the attacks.

The candidate is adamant he has been wrongly accused.

He told media this morning, “…on social media and everywhere they are accusing me (and) my supporters for causing this problem. In fact when they go down to the wire and investigate, they will realize that it is not Andapanga’s supporters.

“I want to appeal to Papua New Guineans to make an investigation and find out who cause this problem.”

The National Security Advisory Committee (NSAC) is meeting at 3pm today to discuss not only the Port Moresby issue, but other issues that have disrupted the electoral process right across the country.

Marape will address the nation through a press conference right after the NSAC meeting.

“We are on top of all these issues,” he said.

“By tonight, or tomorrow, there will be a curfew.

“Those who want to continue to cause disturbances to counting, as well as to the innocent society at large, will face the full force of the law.”

While videos of the violent attacks flooded social media, so did the blame game of who instigated this.

Sitting Member for Port Moresby North East, John Kaupa and his supporters were alleged to have been involved. This morning Kaupa summoned the media to his home to clear his name.

However, the press conference did not eventuate because Kaupa’s supporters who were heavily armed with dangerous weapons, became restless when a fight broke out at the Six Mile market, near his home.