Police officers attacked in Western Highlands

An attack on a police officer is an attack on the law, the Constitution and the State itself.

That is the strong warning coming from police in Western Highlands following two separate attacks on serving officers within the same week, incidents police say reflect the growing violence, lawlessness and dangerous abuse of illicit alcohol in communities across the province.

The first incident occurred on May 12th 2026 at Baiyer River Police Station where young Constable Collinson Wagami was attacked by a group of heavily intoxicated men from Kombolopa in Baiyer District.

According to police reports, the drunk group arrived at the station in a 25-seater bus after allegedly purchasing more alcohol from a nearby beer outlet.

At the time of the incident, Constable Wagami was the only officer manning the station counter while other officers were away on a short break.

Police say the drunkards became aggressive, verbally abused the constable with obscene language and threatened to ambush and kill him before one of the men attempted to physically assault him.

Fearing for his life, Constable Wagami ran into the police cell block and locked himself inside while waiting for backup officers.

He later sustained minor injuries to his arm and face during the confrontation.

Constable Wagami described the terrifying ordeal as one of the worst moments of his policing career.

“They were heavily drunk, swearing and cursing at me and threatening to ambush and kill me. I feared for my life because I was alone at the station. I had no choice but to lock myself inside the cell block until reinforcement officers arrived,” Constable Wagami said.

Police later identified nine suspects involved in the attack.

Five suspects have since been arrested and were charged on three counts including threatening behaviour, assaulting a member of the police force, and resisting arrest while four others remain on the run.

Western Highlands Provincial Police Commander Chief Superintendent John Sagom says the increasing consumption of cheap illicit alcohol is now becoming a major threat to law and order in the province.

“The consumption of cheap illicit alcohol is causing people to behave violently and disrespect the law. This is what led to the attack on the lone officer,” Chief Superintendent Sagom said.

In another shocking incident on May 15th, Rural Zones Commander Inspector Moses Kalandi was attacked while responding to a disturbance at Kui Wamp Nga Secondary School.

During a confrontation involving students and locals, stones were thrown at police officers, damaging Inspector Kalandi’s vehicle and seriously injuring his left shoulder.

Inspector Kalandi was later treated at the Mt Hagen Hospital.

Chief Superintendent Sagom has strongly condemned both attacks and called on communities to respect and protect police officers who risk their lives daily to serve the public.

“Communities must always respect police officers and look after them because they are protected by the Constitution and are carrying out their duties to protect the lives and rights of our people. Anyone found attacking a police officer will face the maximum penalty under the law,” he said.

Under the [Amended] Summary Offences Act of 2018, anyone found guilty of attacking a police officer can face a fine of up to K4,000 or imprisonment for up to two years.

Police are now appealing to the remaining suspects involved in the Baiyer River incident to surrender to authorities immediately.