A male adult from Porgera, Paiela of Mt Kare and Tari wanted for a series of crimes since 2017 was shot dead by the State Security Forces at Paiam in Enga Saturday 19th July, 2025. Acting Assistant Commissioner (ACP) Highlands West, Joseph Tondop in a statement today Friday 15th August, confirmed that the fugitive was shot on a polling day of the Paiela Hewa Local Level Government. The deceased fugitive was responsible for crimes ranging from attempted murder to willful murders and rape. According to police reports, the deceased fugitive was responsible for the murder and death of a police officer in 2020 in Porgera. ACP Tondop emphasized that on Friday July 18, 2025, the man armed with a pistol went to a polling station next to the Paiam police station and caused a scene and later fled. The fugitive then reappeared the next day on Saturday July 19 in Porgera on polling day for Paiela Hewa at Paiam field where he was shot. “It is alleged that the fugitive had threatened citizens who had gathered to exercise their right to vote a candidate of their choice at the polling station. The State Security Forces intervened and shot him on his legs. The PNGDF Medical Team on site attended to the injury but he died due to the severe blood lost from both legs. This is regrettable and is subject to police investigations.” “We have standard protocols when investigating State Security Forces associated shooting incidents. Good and bad citizens are entitled to equal protection of the law.” “I urge the immediate relatives of late O Kiru to respect the due process of the law and support the investigations. Police will document the death of O Kiru, and investigation files will be presented to the coroner for his determination and ruling into this matter.” “I have directed Commander Investigative Task Force for the State of Emergency (SOE) Command to assign an independent investigator to obtain statements from witnesses and assist the coroner.” “In the interim, I am reviewing media statements made by the immediate relative and a named community leader in a Haus Karai in Port Moresby,” ACP Tondop said. ACP Tondop urged the deceased’s family to respect legal procedures following public statements regarding the incident. He confirmed the State Security Force members performed their lawful duties, and the case will be formally investigated with a report submitted to the coroner. ACP Tondop added that it is no secret that everyone in Porgera is aware the deceased is a dangerous criminal and responsible for serious crimes. Media statements would be reviewed and actioned appropriately. The State would use its powers to deal with any person who thinks they are above the law. Furthermore, ACP Tondop emphasized that everyone is equally protected by the law and urged those aggrieved by state procedure to pursue legal counters through court rather than resorting to unlawful retaliation. He cautioned any retaliation attempts by any group in Porgera or Tari to undermine the law would not be tolerated, and that the full force of the law would be used to maintain peace and order in the region.