PRIME Minister Hon James Marape has condemned in the strongest terms the killing of Port Moresby-based policeman Senior Constable Nelson Kalimda in Hela.
He said this today (October 31, 2022) when passing his sympathies to the widow, children, family members and officers of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary on the killing.
“I condemn in the strongest possible terms the killing of the policeman in Hela,” PM Marape said.
“No person can take the life of a policeman or another person in this manner.
“It is now becoming common for criminals to be no longer fearful or respectful of police, and this is not good.
“Police personnel must be given full respect and appreciation by the community.
“We will assist Police to bring the criminals to justice.
“Going forward, we will amend laws to bring higher penalties to those who commit offences against Police personnel.”
PM Marape said police should carry out a thorough investigation as a matter of urgency into the death of Senior Constable Kalimda, whose body was discovered at the Andapali River in Margarima, Hela, on Sunday (October 30, 2022).
PM Marape said the investigation would put to rest all the speculations into the death of the policeman.
“The officer drove out by himself without letting his colleagues know, only to be found dead a few days later,” he said.
“This demands a full investigation by Police to ascertain his line of duty, why he drove out, mobile phone communications records, and where he went to, leading to his unfortunate death.”
PM Marape said he appreciated the work of Hela Governor Hon. Philip Undialu leading to discovery of the body of Senior Constable Kalimda.
“I appreciate the assistance of the Hela Provincial Government and Governor Undialu, who assisted the police investigation, which led to location of the vehicle and later the body,” he said.
“I call upon all persons with any information to come out so that the criminals can be arrested, and the full story behind the police officer going missing and killed is established.”
