State of emergency 2024

Wagambie’s suspension is for disciplinary offences that must be investigated under Part IV of the Police Act 1998, stated Yamasombi in a statement.

When issuing the suspension, Yamasombi said the suspension follows initial investigations by the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary Internal Affairs Directorate (IAD) into the event that transpired on Wednesday 10^th January, 2024.

Acting Police Commissioner and State of Emergency (SOE) Controller, Donald Yamasombi, announced this in Port Moresby yesterday and said the centre will be located at the Morauta Haus in Waigani.

The hotline number, 1800500, is now operational for the public to report stolen items, SOE-related concerns, or crimes.

Yamasombi emphasized that the SOE Call Centre, with eight dedicated lines, will be available 24/7 until January 26th, 2024. Staff at the call centre will promptly address queries and provide essential SOE information. 

Much of the effort is concentrated in the Gerehu area where the warehouse was located.

While random police checks on vehicles saw police confiscating some items, good residents rose up to the call to return items in their possession.

Three trucks belonging to the Brian Bell warehouse were also recovered in the process.

A few residents spoke to us on camera, explaining how they got the items and their reasons for returning them.

One said ”mi pilim bel hevi so maski mi mas returnim. Bikpla tok sori.”