PRIME Minister Hon. James Marape has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to law and order by calling on law enforcement agencies and senior public servants to step up their efforts in restoring discipline, enforcing the law, and ensuring public safety.
“Whist much room remains for improvement; I want to take a moment to commend and thank the hard-working police officers and law enforcement personnel who are actively making arrests and solving crimes. While we often focus on condemnation, we must also recognise and commend the efforts of those who are working tirelessly to keep our people safe,” Prime Minister Marape said.
He emphasised that while negative media often overshadows police achievements, the reality is that law enforcement is making progress.
The Prime Minister highlighted several major criminal cases where significant arrests have been made:
- Nine suspects have been arrested in the rape and murder case of a young woman in
Baruni, assisted by DNA sampling. - PNG now has a world-class DNA sampling expert, which has strengthened forensic
evidence gathering. - A suspect involved in a crime committed 12 years ago was identified and arrested during
the course of the investigation. - In the murder of police officers and teachers in Tari, those responsible have been arrested
or are being actively pursued. - More arrests have been made over the last five years then any equivalent years in the
nation’s history. - More police discipline has been made over the last five years then in any equivalent
periods.
“These are just a few examples of the hard work our police are doing. Some cases take time, while others see immediate arrests, but I want to assure the people that this government and the police force will never forget those who commit crimes,” Prime Minister Marape stated.
The Prime Minister issued a strong warning to those who engage in criminal activities.
“To the young people of PNG—do not underestimate the power of the police. Even if it
may seem like nothing is happening today, the police have a long memory, and they will catch up with criminals sooner or later. Law enforcement agencies are now using artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced ICT platforms to enhance crime investigations. Parliament will amend necessary laws to ensure our security forces are fully equipped to deal with modern crime.”
The Prime Minister emphasised that he is working around the clock to ensure accountability
within law enforcement and government agencies.
“If I am at work 18 to 20 hours a day , I expect better paid public officials and leaders to put long hours at work to fix all our country’s problems, all problems can be solved if we all work more for the country.
“And so tonight, I am asking Treasury, Finance and Planning Ministers and Secretaries to join me for a 11:00 PM to 2:00 AM to indicate we have to work more and also that we want to reconcile with police and law and justice sector as to how much fund we have rendered to them for 2024.
Prime Minister Marape made it clear that senior public servants must work beyond standard
hours and commit fully to their responsibilities.
“Today, I told all department heads that while frontline officers may clock out at 4 or 6 PM,
senior officials must go beyond standard working hours. This includes the:
- Chief Secretary
- Commissioner of Police
- Commander of Defence
- Secretaries of Key Departments
- CS Commissioner
“I expect them to work as long as it takes to deliver for our people,” Prime Minister Marape
said.
The Prime Minister assured the nation that his government takes the people’s concerns seriously and is fully committed to addressing the law and order crisis.
“I want to assure the people of PNG that your concerns are our concerns. We take them very seriously, and this government is fully committed to restoring stability in our communities. The work is ongoing, and together, we will build a safer Papua New Guinea.”
