Police probe Mt. Hagen harassment, special operations deny involvement

Police carrying out patrols, awareness and enforcing operation in and around the city of Mt Hagen as part of the High-Speed Police Visibility Operation *(Image: NBC Owned)*

Assistant Commissioner Anthony Wagambie Jr., Commander of the Upper Highlands Special Operations (UHSOPS), has confirmed that vehicles reportedly used to harass women in Mt. Hagen do not belong to the Special Operations fleet.

Wagambie said all police vehicle and personnel movements are strictly task oriented and monitored, and eyewitness descriptions did not match any vehicles under UHSOPS.

He condemned the behavior as “unbecoming,” stressing that no law enforcement officer would dictate how women dress in this day and age.

The Western Highlands Provincial Police Commander, Chief Superintendent John Sagom, has been tasked to investigate swiftly and thoroughly.

Wagambie pledged UHSOPS support if required.

He also warned of false social media claims designed to destabilize operations, noting that recent posts implicating Kumul 23 were “false and misleading.”

“Mt. Hagen is the Highlands capital, where people from Jiwaka, Simbu, and beyond gather for services and work. Police and military personnel are stationed across these provinces, and we must ensure trust is maintained,” Wagambie said.

Western Highlands Police, under PPC Sagom’s leadership, have built strong community partnerships.
Wagambie emphasized that WHP Police are working to identify the culprits and deal with them, while UHSOPS will continue to support efforts to uphold public confidence.