Chief Inspector Kelly Sombe has officially been appointed as the new Provincial Police Commander (PPC) for Southern Highlands Province, effective immediately.
The appointment was confirmed in an official police minute dated 30 June 2026, signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police and Chief of Regional Operations, Samson N. Kua.
Chief Inspector Sombe takes up the appointment after serving as the Acting Provincial Police Commander for Enga Province, where he provided leadership during a challenging period for policing in the province. His transfer to Southern Highlands is expected to bring valuable operational experience to one of Papua New Guinea’s most demanding policing commands.
In the appointment instrument, Deputy Commissioner Kua acknowledged Southern Highlands as one of Papua New Guinea’s largest and resource rich provinces, noting that its complex law and order challenges require a permanent Provincial Police Commander.
“Southern Highlands being a large and resource rich province has its share of law and order challenges. This calls for a permanent PPC going forward,” the minute stated.
As part of the administrative changes, Chief Inspector Philip Kumo will return to his substantive position as Police Station Commander (PSC) Mendi Police Station.
The directive also instructs police management to organise a formal Handover-Takeover (HOTO) process and provide all necessary operational briefings to Chief Inspector Sombe to ensure a smooth transition into the role.
Chief Inspector Sombe’s appointment is expected to strengthen police leadership in Southern Highlands as authorities continue addressing tribal conflicts, armed violence, and other law and order challenges across the province.
The appointment takes effect immediately from the date of the signed instrument.