By Vicky Baunke in Goroka EHP
Eastern Highlands Provincial Police Commander Chief Superintendent John Kale has urged the public to refrain from using social media to accuse individuals involved in ongoing criminal investigations, warning that such actions could jeopardise police work and interfere with the course of justice.
Speaking to the media recently Chief Superintendent Kale said social media should not be used as a platform to determine a person’s guilt or innocence, particularly in serious criminal investigations.
“A lot of times, a lot of things said on social media jeopardise police investigations. You already make the decision on social media by accusing people,” Chief Superintendent Kale said.
“Our duty is to investigate properly, collect enough evidence, prepare a hand-up brief and take it to court. The court has to find if someone is guilty or not.”PPC Kale said.
He said police have a legal responsibility to conduct thorough investigations, gather sufficient evidence and present cases before the courts, where decisions on guilt or innocence are made.
The Provincial Police Commander stressed that the justice system must be allowed to operate independently and fairly without public interference.
“Social media cannot accuse someone and find them guilty,” he said.
Chief Superintendent Kale warned that the spread of unverified allegations online can fuel misinformation, incite hatred and increase tensions within communities.
“I want to discourage people from going onto social media and spreading accusations that will only instigate hatred, misinformation and violence during such serious police investigations,” he said.
His comments come as police continue investigations into several high-profile cases in Eastern Highlands Province that have generated widespread discussion and speculation on social media.
Chief Superintendent Kale appealed to members of the public to allow investigators to carry out their duties professionally and encouraged anyone with credible information relevant to ongoing investigations to report it directly to police rather than sharing unverified claims online.
He said public cooperation remains vital in helping police establish the facts and ensure justice is served through the courts.
