PMV driver killed at Kompri sparks safety concerns
The recent killing of a PMV bus driver at Kompri in the Eastern Highlands, along the Highlands Highway, has sparked widespread remorse.
The incident has raised grave concern for the safety of the travelling public, particularly service providers from the Western Highlands.”
In a media briefing Sunday afternoon in Mt Hagen, a visibly disappointed Western Highlands Governor, Wai Rapa, condemned the killing of the Western Highlands PMV driver. He said PMV drivers, who are service providers, are harmless and pose no threat to anyone, yet have become ongoing targets.
Governor Rapa added that it is high time action was taken against those causing harm and putting both innocent travelers and PMV drivers and crews at risk.
He added that the killing of this PMV driver is deeply disturbing and assured PMV operators and drivers in the Western Highlands operating along the Highlands Highway that, as their Governor, he will stand with them until the culprits are caught and brought to justice.
He stressed that justice must prevail, noting that it has long been denied for killings and illegal acts targeting Western Highlanders, particularly along this section of the highway.
"This killing has really got me because I am now working with PMVs and taxi operators in WHP to help them with their SME activities, and for such a barbaric act by someone who was seen fit to take a person's life like this is insanity," an angry Rapa said.
In the meantime, Governor Rapa has held discussions with his Eastern Highlands counterpart, Simon Sia, regarding the killing and the actions needed against the perpetrators.
He has also urged his people to remain peaceful and calm during this time, warning them not to take the law into their own hands. Governor Rapa is working closely with the police, the Eastern Highlands Governor, and other relevant authorities to ensure justice is served.
A meeting is scheduled for Monday, 20th October, with Governor Rapa, police, PMV operators, and Western Highlands leaders to discuss ways to handle the situation and ensure the culprits are brought to justice.