Soldiers block off Murray Barracks

Soldiers setting up roadblocks at Muray Barracks (Image: Supplied)

Military personnel have mounted roadblocks and burnt tyres at the Murray Barracks headquarters tonight, as tensions remain high within the Papua New Guinea Defence Force [PNGDF] over recent recruitment controversies.

The faction of soldiers blocked off key access points near the SVS Supermarket and the road leading towards Hohola. Chanting "stopim korapsen" [stop corruption], the personnel forced motorists and pedestrians to take a different route. By 8:40pm, the normally busy thoroughfare was deserted, with soldiers maintaining a heavy presence at the gates.

The unrest is reportedly a response to news that several soldiers from the PNGDF Enlistment Office are facing a court-martial. These personnel are allegedly being disciplined for their roles in exposing dishonesty within the force’s recruitment process.

The incident follows a turbulent week for the Ministry of Defence. Last week, 300 new recruits were sent home after the entire recruitment exercise was shelved due to allegations of foul play.

Soldiers burnt tyres along the Murray Barracks and Hohola road (Image: Supplied)

Prime Minister James Marape also confirmed recently that Defence Minister and Nipa-Kutubu MP, Dr. Billy Joseph, has stepped aside from his portfolio. The move is intended to allow for a transparent investigation into the recruitment process.

City authorities and PNGDF leadership are calling for calm tonight, as residents in the surrounding suburbs of Hohola and Boroko remain on high alert. No official statement has been released regarding the status of the court-martial or the duration of the blockade.

Meanwhile, NBC News is seeking comments from the Prime Minister, who is the acting Defence Minister, PNGDF Commander Rear Admiral Pillip Polewara and relevant authorities. NBC News is monitoring the situation and will keep you updated as more information comes in.