BOROKO MOTORS INCIDENT HIGHLIGHTS ESCALATING CHALLENGES WITH ILLEGAL STREET VENDORS

A CONFRONTATION at Meat Haus / Boroko Motors on January 13, 2025, has brought to light ongoing issues surrounding illegal street vending in the city.

The incident involved theft, threats, and subsequent violence directed at the Port Moresby City Watch (PCW) officers, who were fulfilling their duty to maintain order and public safety and removal of illegal street vending.

At approximately 11:52 AM, PCW officers apprehended a thief who had stolen from a couple at Meat Haus. However, the situation quickly escalated when the thief’s associates, the illegal street vendors, threatened and attacked the officers with weapons, including bush knives, small knives, and stones.

The altercation intensified as the vendors pursued the retreating PCW officers, leading to a broader confrontation that extended from Meat Haus to the front of the Lands Office. Despite being unarmed, the officers regrouped and managed to detain three individuals. Police teams later intervened, resulting in the arrest of additional suspects.

Three individuals are currently hospitalized due to injuries sustained in the altercation, while five others have been detained and are assisting police with investigations. Two are being held at Gordon’s police station, and three are at Hohola police station.

This incident underscores the challenges faced by city enforcement officers in dealing with aggressive and organized illegal vendors. Hon. Governor Powes Parkop has emphasized the importance of maintaining public safety and called for stronger measures to protect enforcement personnel while addressing the root causes of illegal street vending.

“The safety of our officers and the public is paramount. We must work together to ensure that law enforcement can operate without fear or interference, and illegal activities are curbed,” Governor Parkop stated.

The National Capital District Commission (NCDC) will continue to enhance collaboration between PCW and police to prevent and address future incidents. They will also conduct a review of security protocols for PCW officers and strengthen the efforts to regulate illegal vending activities while supporting sustainable livelihoods for informal vendors.

NCDC remains committed to transforming Port Moresby into a safe, modern, and inclusive city, ensuring that such incidents do not deter the progress already achieved.
For media inquiries, please contact: NCDC Communications Team.