Man arrested for allegedly spreading false information in Wapenamanda

A man accused of spreading false information against the Pyapin Wauni and Wauni Isane clans in the Minamb Constituency of Wapenamanda, Enga Province, has been arrested by police.

Acting Enga Provincial Police Commander, Chief Inspector Kelly Sombe, confirmed that the suspect, Steven Puliplya, 65, from the Ambulin Tribe of Wapenamanda, allegedly produced and circulated a voice audio recording making serious accusations against the Pyapin clan of the Wauni tribe.

Chief Inspector Sombe said the audio recording allegedly accused the clan of harbouring, aiding and abetting armed men from the Palinau tribe amid ongoing tribal conflicts in the area.

The allegations angered leaders of the Wauni tribe, who reported the matter to the Minamb Peace and Security Foundation. The foundation subsequently referred the complaint to police for investigation.

Police also allege that the audio recording, which was translated from the Engan vernacular, made claims that members of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force had supplied weapons and ammunition to certain tribes involved in the conflict.

Chief Inspector Sombe described the allegations as a dangerous smear campaign capable of fuelling hatred and further tribal animosity.

He said police in Enga are increasingly concerned about the growing use of social media platforms by individuals spreading false and malicious information aimed at inciting fear, hatred and violence within communities.

Following the complaint, police arrested Puliplya in Wapenamanda yesterday. He was later transported to Wabag, where he was cautioned, charged and detained at the police station.

Puliplya has been charged with cyber harassment under Section 23(1)(a)(ii) of the Cybercrime Act and is expected to appear in court soon.

Chief Inspector Sombe warned that the circulation of false information on social media is a criminal offence and said police will act decisively when complaints are supported by evidence identifying those responsible.

He also appealed to communities affected by the Wapenamanda conflict to refrain from sharing malicious texts, audio recordings and videos online, warning that such actions only worsen tensions and undermine government efforts to restore peace and good order in the district and the province.

The Acting PPC commended officers in Wapenamanda for their swift response in arresting the suspect following the complaint lodged by the Minamb Peace and Security Foundation.