Grieving families block Highlands Highway seeking justice

This morning, the Mando to Five Mile section of the Highlands Highway in Goroka was completely blocked as aresult of the death of First Constable Harry Gorano, who was attached to MS 11 Wabag in Enga Province.

Late Constable Harry Gorano was one of four policemen attacked earlier along the Mendi-Tambul Road.

He passed away two weeks ago at Port Moresby General Hospital.

He hailed from Kafuku village, 5 Mile of Gahuku LLG, Goroka District, and his mother is from Mando, Daulo District of Eastern Highlands Province.

Constable Gorano's family is petitioning the Southern Highlands Governor to apprehend all culprits involved in his killing within seven days of their ultimatum.

They also demand an explanation for the delayed medivac, which they believe contributed to his death.

The late Constable's death marks the second loss after Constable Noah Biape, who was of mixed parentage from Hela and Asaro in Eastern Highlands Province.

Chief Inspector Timothy Pomoso, the Goroka Police Station Commander, is aware of the roadblock and has approved it temporarily until the petition is delivered to Governor Simon Sia.

He stated that any roadblocks after the petition's delivery would be illegal, and police will not hesitate to arrest those involved.

Authorities to receive family's petition

Assistant Commissioner Police and Northern End Commander Peter Guinness is calling on relatives of the late Constable Harry Gorona to stop the roadblocks and allow the police hierarchy to address their grievances.

ACP Guinness says the family have requested for the Eastern Highlands Governor Simon Sia to receive their petition.

He said he has already instructed the Eastern Highlands Provincial Police Commander to talk with the family and bring the situation under control, however ACP Guiness says it's still unclear at this time to say if the situation has subsided.

Mr. Guinness is also warning opportunists taking advantage of the current situation that they will be dealt with accordingly if caught by the Police.

He also clarified that a 25-seater bus was set on fire by opportunists and not from the late constables family as widely reported on social media.

Mr. Guinness says that one of the family's demands is for the suspects behind the death of the late officer to be apprehended and arrested.

He is calling on the leaders of Southern Highlands and the people to work with police, identify the known suspects, and bring them to police.

The Governor of Eastern Highlands and ACP Peter Guinness will be visiting the family this afternoon to receive their petition.