POLICE have debunked the recent social media circulation of alleged police operation going around the Highlands Region, especially in Mt. Hagen, Western Highlands Province, prohibiting women and girls of wearing trousers, and other concerning operations, stating that they are bad actors trying to spoil the reputation of the Police.
The command of the Upper Highlands Special Operations (UHSOPS), Assistant Commissioner Anthony Wagambie Jr has been in contact with the Divisional Commander for the Highlands Eastern End and the Western Highlands Provincial Police Commander, Chief Superintendent John Sagom, to establish whether an operation carried out in the Western Highlands and other parts of the Highlands was conducted by police.
Mr. Wagambie confirmed that from initial enquiries, the vehicles used to harass several women in Mt. Hagen do not match the description of vehicles used by Upper Highlands Special Operations.
He said all vehicle and personnel movements are task-oriented and monitored, and the vehicle descriptions provided by eyewitnesses do not match any vehicle in their fleet that may have been in Mt. Hagen.
Wagambie said the operation is strictly task-oriented and does not engage in such activities.
“Such behaviour is unbecoming, and no one in law enforcement is stupid enough to dictate how women dress in this day and age,” Mr. Wagambie said.
“The PPC WHP has been asked to have his team investigate this quickly and thoroughly, identify the culprits, and deal with them. We are ready to assist if required.”
Wagambie added that Mt. Hagen is the capital of highlands region where people all over the region go there for work and service.
He said people have to be mindful that police and military personnel are stationed across the region.
“Mt. Hagen Police are investigating to determine whether members of the disciplined forces were involved, or whether this was the work of criminal impersonators acting with ulterior motives,” Mr. Wagambie said.
“The recent social media post implicating Kumul 23 is false and misleading.”
Mr. Wagambie said that Western Highlands Police have been doing a tremendous job under the leadership of PPC John Sagom and have built strong trust and a solid partnership with the community.
“WHP Police are working to establish who did this and deal with them,” Mr. Wagambie said.
“We will be working with the WHP PPC to establish the facts.”