The Metropolitan Superintendent for the National Capital District (NCD) has issued an urgent appeal for calm following a critical police-involved shooting at Koki Vegetable Market, while delivering a stern warning that illegal retaliatory violence and destruction of public infrastructure will be met with full force.
On Saturday 05th September 2026, at about 0900hrs police officers responded to an urgent distress call regarding ongoing public harassment and intimidation inside the Koki Vegetable Market. Upon arriving at the scene, responding officers were confronted by a suspect armed with a knife who actively threatened personnel. During the confrontation, a firearm was discharged, resulting in fatal injuries to the suspect.
Following the shooting, relatives of the deceased and associated groups retaliated by attacking and damaging the Koki Police Post. The group attempted to march onto the main public road to disrupt traffic and stage a protest, but were swiftly intercepted, contained, and dispersed by reinforcing police units.
The Metropolitan Superintendent today met directly with community leaders from the Koki market settlement and representatives of the deceased’s family to address grievances and assure them of a transparent process:
- Internal Affairs Oversight: The Internal Affairs Directorate (IAD) and Homicide/CID will commence a full, independent investigation into the operational circumstances and shooting incident.
- Family Engagement: Command leadership assured the victim's family that the investigation will be conducted with complete neutrality and adherence to the law.
- Call for Cooperation: Community leaders were urged to maintain peace, prevent youth from engaging in further violence, and assist police investigators with eyewitness statements.
Metropolitan Superintendent also highlighted the immediate Command Orders & Market Closure, stating that the Koki Vegetable Market will remain CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE to allow police to maintain security, secure evidence, and prevent opportunistic opportunists from creating further civil unrest.
Metropolitan Superintendent also emphasised zero tolerance for Retaliation; high-visibility foot and mobile patrols have been deployed throughout Moresby South to protect public infrastructure, business houses, and commuting citizens.
"We acknowledge the loss of life and the distress felt by the family and community. I have personally met with the leaders and relatives to assure them that a thorough, independent investigation is underway to determine the exact facts of the shooting."
"However, I make it abundantly clear: we will NOT tolerate or compromise with any person, mob, or group attempting to take advantage of this tragic situation to cause violence, damage police property, or disturb the public peace"
"Attacking a police station and threatening public roads are criminal acts. Anyone engaging in further trouble will be met with the full force of the law, arrested and dealt with severely under the law."
The Metropolitan Command urges all residents of Koki and surrounding areas to allow the official investigation to take its course and refrain from spreading unverified rumors on social media.