Three Police officers arrested after gunshot kills 29-year-old Accountant
Police in Port Moresby have moved swiftly and detained three officers, following the shooting death of a young vibrant Accountant, Sandy Purel [29] at the Waigani Market on Sunday 25th May, 2025.
During a Police operation to deal with illegal activities by some vendors at the Waigani Market on Sunday, a weapon was discharged, and late Sandy of Birop in the Mendi-Munihu District of Southern Highlands Province, was struck and subsequently died on the spot.
Commissioner of Police, David Manning in a statement said, the three police personnel are the subject of a criminal investigation, to determine who fired the round, that took the life of this young lady, and the circumstances surrounding the discharge of the firearm.
“I call on all members of the community to remain calm, while this matter is investigated, to allow justice to be served,” Commissioner Manning said.
“As Commissioner, and speaking on behalf of all capable and dedicated policemen and women, I expect better, and a more restrained use of force, from our personnel.
“The public can rest assured that this is not only an internal investigation, but this is a criminal investigation.
“The fact of this matter is that a young woman is dead from a gunshot wound.
“From the briefing provided to me, it appears the police officer who discharged the weapon, had not intended to shoot this young lady, but that is not the point. A woman is dead because a gun was fired.”
Commissioner Manning said following the incident, he is further instructing a review of police procedures, and the use of warning shots.
“The RPNGC is already introducing ‘less-than-lethal’ measures to control potentially violent situations, including CS gas and beanbag rounds.
“Just because a police man or woman has a loaded gun, it does not give them the right to shoot, as certain conditions must apply at law. There must be an imminent threat to the lives of civilians or security personnel, in order for a firearm to be discharged.
“There will be clearer rules of engagement in confronting threats with the escalation of force, to deal with threats clearly articulated.
“That being said, these changes will not bring back the life of the young lady that has tragically died in this incident.