Police curb on misconduct and violence in Eastern Highlands leads to multiple arrests
A sweeping investigation into police misconduct and civilian violence in the Eastern Highlands has resulted in a series of arrests, convictions, and disciplinary actions, according to a report released by the Papua New Guinea Royal Constabulary’s Internal Affairs Division [IAD].
The investigations, sparked by a barrage of complaints following violent clashes at the University of Goroka in 2025, led to the deployment of a neutral team of investigators from Port Moresby to ensure impartiality.
Acting Commissioner of Police Samson Kua confirmed today that the IAD team successfully identified and prosecuted several key individuals involved in the UOG unrest, which previously led to property destruction and the suspension of the 2025 academic year.
Three men in Barnabas Simahe, Neriso Philip, and Jerson Baina, were convicted of unlawful assault. Each received a K2,000 fine or a default sentence of two years imprisonment. Two additional suspects, Keith Kitika and Ricky Gahaizo, currently face charges of unlawful assembly in committal court.
While some students implicated in the violence avoided immediate arrest by fleeing the province, Commissioner Kua said that investigations will continue when they resume classes.
The investigation also turned its lens toward the police hierarchy. The Provincial Police Commander [PPC] and the Goroka Police Station Commander [PSC] were both suspended during the inquiry. While they have since resumed their duties, Commissioner Kua said their cases remain pending with the IAD.
In a separate and more grim discovery, the IAD investigated the recovery of a male corpse from the Yonki dam on October 25, 2025. This incident triggered a chain of violence, including an attack on a Rural Police Station Commander and a retaliatory raid by police personnel at the Agamore market.
The fallout from the Yonki incident includes:
Murder Charges: A PNG Power employee and a police reservist have been charged with willful murder.
Disciplinary Action: Nine members of the Kainantu Police were served with serious disciplinary charges for the looting and destruction of Agamore market.
Ongoing manhunt: Four additional officers linked to the Yonki homicide are expected to be arrested shortly.
In Goroka, Reserve Constable Richard Gotaha was also arrested and charged with causing grievous bodily harm to a man from Kimiyau village.
Kua commended the IAD for their firm application of the law, emphasizing that holding officers accountable is essential for the future of the force.
"Such positive actions taken by the Constabulary would help to restore public trust and confidence in the hearts and minds of people affected by acts of police misconduct," Kua said. "Not only in the Eastern Highlands Province, but throughout the country."