Sunday May 10^, 2020

The Controller of the State of Emergency and Police Commissioner David Manning has assured the general public that the situation between the police and soldiers following the death of a senior police officer is under control.

Commissioner Manning said this during a joint press conference with the Papua New Guinea Defence Force Commander, Major  General Gilbert Toropo today in Port Moresby.

“Due to the swift intervention of the Commanders and senior officers from both the Police and PNG Defence Force in establishing communication and understanding, we contained the situation,” Mr Manning said.

He assured the city residents and people from around the country that police have resumed normal duties whilst the investigation into the death of Late Senior Inspector Andrew Tovere is continuing.

The three suspects who were responsible for  slaying late SIP Tovere yesterday,  have already been detained by the PNG Defence Force Military Police.

Mr Manning said the Police and PNG Defence Force have a close standing working relation over the years and currently police and defence officers are deployed together though out the country.

“This  is  a very unfortunate and isolated incident.”

“On behalf of the members of the Constabulary I convey our deepest condolences to the immediate family and friends of Late Senior Inspector Andrew Tovere. I can assure that both police and military Commands are working together to ensure justice is served.”

Media contact: Chief Superintendent Dominic D. Kakas, BEM, DPS
Team Leader – COVID-19 Media & Public Information Joint Agency Task Force
Mobile: 75430557: Email: ddkakas@gmail.com