Police investigating officers over teenager’s death in Port Moresby

Police officers implicated in the death of an 18-year-old in Port Moresby have been identified and are now under investigation, police have revealed.

Kimoly Dagoba, from Hela Province, is alleged to have been murdered by policemen while on a night out with friends, sparking anger among the local community.

Assistant Commissioner of Police N-C-D/Central Command, Anthony Wagambie Jnr, has appealed for anyone with information to come forward and assist police in investigations.

"From where we are the city is normal, police are out there doing their normal job," he said.

"(The) investigation is in progress, those policemen implicated have been identified, they have come forward to management and they are now under investigation and police will take action if there is enough evidence.

"We are not going to hide anything, we have someone who has died, we have to find the cause of death."

The teenager's death sparked anger among the Hela community in Port Moresby. Videos of violent protests in the Boroko CBD went viral, showing men running in the direction of the police station.

Dagoba's father, Marago Dagoba, who is the Provincial Administrator of Hela Province, has called for peace and for the justice system to take its course. He has distanced himself from media posts expressing sentiment against police and wants his people to allow the justice system to proceed.

ACP Wagambie also issued a stern warning to the general public and those issuing threats to the police to refrain and let the law take its course.

"I am not sure yet whether the threats appearing on social media is true or not but I am appealing to the Hela people to remain calm," he said.

"Port Moresby is the capital city where all Papua New Guineans live and work. Let us work together to find the cause of the death of the young man."