POLICE in Enga Province have apprehended the prime suspect in relation to the attempted murder of a young man at Kumbas Market in Wapenamanda District on Saturday 02nd May 2026.
The suspect was arrested on Wednesday 6th May 2026 at Mt Hagen, Western Highlands Province, following coordinated operations by police personnel and the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) operating under the command of Enga Provincial Police Commander (PPC).
Enga PPC Chief Superintendent Steven Harris, said the arrest reflects the clear and consistent enforcement approach being applied across the province.
“This is exactly how we will operate in Enga and the serious criminal offending will be investigated, offenders will be pursued, and they will be brought before the courts,” PPC Harris said.
“We do not negotiate with criminals about whether they will be arrested. The only discussion is how they wish to come into custody.”
PPC Harris said that in the instance, the offender realised that surrender was his best option. He was taken into custody without force
“Compensation, mediation or delay will not replace the criminal law. When offences of this nature occur, police action is not optional, but it is a mandatory,” PPC Harris said.
PPC said that tensions in Wapenamanda were high, but leaders made the right decision to allow police to do their job, and it contributed to stability on the ground.
“It also ensured police resources remained focused on responding to this serious offence and other calls for service across the province, rather than being diverted into further violence,” he said.
“The approach taken by leaders in this instance is a model that every person should follow when a crime occurs.”
PPC reiterated that police are aware of ongoing tensions and any retaliatory violence will be met with firm enforcement action.
He said any person who engages in further violence will be dealt with under the criminal law.
Police will not stand by while communities take matters into their own hands. The rule of law will prevail.
Police operations remain ongoing to locate and apprehend
all persons involved in the incident. Additional security measures are in place to stabilise the area and prevent further escalation.
PPC Harris said that his police officers are implementing community policing and law enforcement strategies with great professionalism.
PPC is very impressed and proud of the members of RPNGC and PNGDF for maintaining peace in the province.
He said the police personnel would continue to maintain a visible and proactive presence in Wapenamanda to ensure public safety and uphold the law.