FOREIGNERS living among us and others who have had wonderful holiday experiences here have generally described us as a friendly and hospitable lot.
But look within and be amazed at the levels of violence and the proclivity to get violent at the least provocation such as a careless word uttered by a drunk youth.
What results from that could potentially be serious injury, destruction of property or death.
Take for example, the events of Feb 27, 2022, outside a police barracks in Port Moresby which led to serious injuries to two young men.
This matter was brought to court and was settled by the Waigani National Court on Monday.
Four policemen have been convicted of attempted murder and are now awaiting sentencing on Aug 4.
Court records state that on the said morning, between 6.30am and 7am, the four policemen were at a traffic roundabout in Port Moresby.
Two young men, both aged 21, were walking towards Waigani bus stop after spending the night with a friend when one of them approached a betel nut seller and asked for a nut.
The seller allegedly swore at the young men.
An off-duty policeman then arrived, spoke with the seller, and the two young men were allegedly chased towards the roundabout.
Bystanders joined the four policemen in chasing the duo and one was punched and fell at the edge of the traffic island.
One police officer allegedly kicked him with his police boots.
The other young man tried to intervene but was grabbed by the collar and punched.
He sustained a broken jaw.
The young men were later admitted to hospital with serious injuries.
The court also found the four policemen guilty on one count each of unlawful deprivation of liberty and causing grievous bodily harm.
The judge relied on what he said was credible independent witnesses with not links to either young men or the convicted policemen.
Outside the court, the father of one of the young men, a policeman himself, said officers were trained to protect the community but his colleagues had failed to to follow proper rules of engagement on that fateful February morning four years ago.
“I am thankful to the justice system for upholding the rule of law and justice being served for my son.
“There are so many victims of police brutality out there, and this justice for my son is for them too,” the father said.
For years, police brutality has been a serious concern raised by the public and from within the constabulary hierarchy.
The conviction of four police officers this week is just one of many such cases brought to court and successfully tried and the offending officers of the law convicted.
If one were to seriously consider such behaviour, the question ought to be asked also whether police brutality might be symptomatic of a bigger problem – that of our inability to manage anger and avoid violent behavour.
There is a worrying tendency to become violent and aggressive in situations when a little common sense and rational behaviour can make a lot of difference.
Those two young men on the morning of Feb 27, 2022, might have said something or acted in a way they should not have.
But did they deserve the brutal mob attack by law enforcers and bystanders?
Did they deserve to be kicked with heavy boots, dragged into a police vehicle, and detained for hours before being brought in for medical attention?
Not at all.
And the offending police officers knew that very well. Yet they acted as if they did not know or care that theirs is a responsibility to protect lives.
Their lack of restraint and failure to exercise their proper duty has now resulted in suffering not only by the families of the young men they had assaulted.
Four families will now be without a breadwinner for however long the court determines for the convicted policemen on Aug 4.
All of that loss and suffering has come about because of violence that could have been avoided.
