Investigators from the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary and the Papua New Guinea Defence Force Military Police have begun their investigations into the PNGDF Kupiano mishap, which left two soldiers dead, and another two wounded, including a civilian.
The acting Commander of NCD and Central Province Acting Chief Superintendent Laimo Asi said an investigation team went to Kupiano on Tuesday (July 4, 2023).
He said a joint police and military investigation team have now cordoned off the crime scene to ascertain the circumstances leading up to the shootings. He said the situation has been under control since Tuesday because the incident happened between the soldiers themselves.
Mr Asi confirmed that twelve suspects were arrested, and detectives have now identified the soldier responsible for discharging live ammunition that killed and injured the victims.
Acting Commander Asi said details of the suspect implicated in the shootings will be released to the media once he is criminally charged by the investigation team.
“This is a very unfortunate incident involving our soldiers, and I am expecting the investigators to probe into it thoroughly,” said Mr Asi.
The Acting Commander said this incident is unprecedented.
“This incident is a first of its kind, where PNGDF soldiers were killed in training, in a “blue on blue” situation. This means that soldiers were killed by friendly fire from their own forces.
“I expect the investigators to take blood and urine samples from the main suspect as part of their investigation. They will have to ascertain whether the prime suspect was intoxicated or drugged when the shootings happened,” Mr Asi said.
Mr Asi said the findings of the investigation team will bring some closure to the families and relatives of the deceased and the injured victims.
Mr Asi visited the soldiers in Kupiano and addressed them after the unfortunate incident. He expressed sorrow and thanked the soldiers for cooperating with their superiors and the police.
The wounded and dead were airlifted into Port Moresby that same day. Police investigations are continuing.
