Police crackdown on illegal PMV protest in POM

Twenty PMV buses were impounded today and their drivers and crews arrested after staging an illegal protest over rising fuel prices, disrupting the city’s public transport system.

Assistant Commissioner of Police and NCD-Central Commander Benjamin Turi personally led the operation, warning that police will arrest any PMV operators who overcharge passengers or engage in unlawful demonstrations.

“This is a warning to all PMV operators. We have impounded 20 buses and arrested their drivers and crews. If you overcharge passengers or stop work to stage illegal protests, you will be arrested. If you want to stop work, take your bus home instead of forcing others to join your protest,” ACP Turi said.

He stressed that fuel price decisions are made by the government and that operators must use proper channels to raise concerns rather than holding the city “at ransom.”

Turi highlighted the impact on school children, especially Grade 12 students currently sitting exams, who rely on PMVs as their only mode of transport.

The Commander also condemned the practice of buses failing to complete routes while charging multiple fares.

“We have buses charging K2 from Gerehu to Waigani, then another K2 to 4 Mile, and again K2 to town. That’s a rip-off unless you complete your route,” he said.

Police will now monitor bus stops to ensure compliance with fare regulations.

Turi reiterated that operators must abide by rules set by the Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC) and follow lawful avenues to express grievances.