Determined attack on crime delivering results in Oro Province
01 February 2014
ORO PROVINCE GOVERNOR Gary Juffa has commended police for their continued efforts to establish and maintain law and order in the province since he took office in August 2012.
A concerted intelligence driven effort combined with community policing involving police from Oro and Port Moresby, has seen the apprehension of escapees, many violent criminals and several individuals, including public servants, allegedly involved in fraud and corruption.
The effort has been boosted with funding from the Office of the Governor, the Provincial Administration and Members of Parliament from both Sohe and Ijivitari.
This year, the provincial government has committed K4 million to improving police infrastructure and logistics. Efforts are also being made to establish a highway patrol at Saiho to keep watch on the Kokoda Highway. There is also a Tourist Police Patrol to provide security to the small but significant tourism sector.
Mr Juffa said that as a result of improved policing and support from leaders and the community, the township of Popondetta had experienced its safest and quietest festive period and decreased levels of crime.
“Though you are well below the capacity required of such a population and lack the resources needed, you did above and beyond expectations,” he told police at an informal gathering this week to farewell officers returning to Port Moresby for a break.
“This is a thankless job, where there is always criticism, but your efforts have made Oro safe for the women and children and I am most grateful and proud. This is your home too, if you ever want to work or retire here you are most welcome,” he said.
The gathering was also attended by the Member for Sohe, Delilah Gore, who thanked the police for their efforts and assured them of continued support from her office.
Meanwhile, on the same night, the Tactical Response Unit recaptured a hardcore criminal escapee who had been convicted for murder and rape. The Unit, set up by the Governor, was reacting to a tip off from a member of the public who sighted the escapee with a group of armed men in Oro township.
“The policing effort has not just been to address violent crimes but also to conduct investigations into allegations of corruption in the public service and corporate crime,” Mr Juffa said.
“Several public servants have been arrested and charged for various offences ranging from stealing to misappropriation and official corruption.”
The most recent arrest was of a Deputy Administrator and several public servants who have been accused of fraud.
A review into suspicious projects awarded through corrupt means have been hampered by the death of two key public servants, but investigations are continuing.
Efforts will step up this year with the establishment of the Provincial Accounts Committee to scrutinise the use of public funds in the province.
I remember Jeff Kera, a hard man but, as far as I know, an honest one. I remember a friend running into him on the Highlands Highway, after he left Oro.
Apparently a tourist bus had been held up and all valuables taken. Jeff Kera and co went off in pursuit of the crims and a few hours later, returned with all the stolen articles.
When asked how he'd managed such a quick result, he said that he knew the village where the robbers came from and 'only had to shoot one pig' before the loot was forthcoming.
Perhaps not text book policing but very effective!
Posted by: Mark Ambrose | 05 April 2015 at 04:53 AM
Well done Mr Juffa and the Oro Province police force.
Posted by: Michael Dom | 01 February 2014 at 07:19 PM
Some years back this province was known as 'cowboy country'
Results will be seen where effort has been made. The governor and the member are showing the rest of PNG just how this kind of outcome can be achieved. Money has a lot to do with it as well as a heart for the people.
Positive news for a change.
Posted by: Maureen Wari | 01 February 2014 at 04:29 PM
This is a very positive step and obviously there is a long long way to go...but well done Gary Juffa.
Back in the early 1980's there was a tough police commander in Popondetta by the name of Jeffrey Kera, an Engan, who had all the rascals and many of the locals and some expats worried as he made a vigorous stand against crime and rascals making their way to Popondetta via the Kokoda track.
I think he was too effective and was transferred back to the Highlands.
Posted by: Peter Comerford | 01 February 2014 at 10:26 AM
It is very good to hear about the work being done in Oro Province to bring down crime levels.
I just wish something similar could be done in the East Sepik but I think that rougue police have been a problem there.
Posted by: Mrs Barbara Short | 01 February 2014 at 07:18 AM