18 Jul 2013

PNG police say probe into attack on students by soldiers continues

8:17 am on 18 July 2013

Papua New Guinea police say investigations are continuing into a weekend attack by Defence Force soldiers on students and facilities at the Medical Faculty of the University of PNG.

Dozens of students were reportedly injured when more than 30 soldiers armed with guns, knives and iron bars assaulted students, staff and security officials of the Medical and Health Sciences campus connected to Port Moresby General Hospital on Sunday.

Two soldiers have been arrested and police expect more arrests to be made in the coming days.

A police spokesman says the investigations depend on close co-operation with the PNG Defence Force.

The PNGDF has announced an internal investigation into the incident, headed by Colonel Tokam Kanene who is to report its findings to Defence Minister Dr Fabian Pok.

Dr Pok says that soldiers involved in the rampage will face instant dismissal from the force.