NPS: Peaceful Ishiara protest was hijacked by criminals

Peaceful protest against poor services in Ishiara Level 4 Hospital was hijacked by criminal elements, the National Police Service has said.

While residents of Evurore ward had notified authorities of plans to hold a peaceful demonstration against the state of services at the hospital, the event escalated to violence and criminal acts.

The police said many businesses in the area were vandalised, while several bystanders sustained injuries during the ensuing chaos.

NPS said the criminal elements, who hijacked the demonstrations were armed with crude weapons, including stones.

"Although the protests began well, what was witnessed soon afterwards was a shocking and unacceptable degeneration into criminal acts and violence by people who were not peaceful protesters," the police said.

“The initial intentions were hijacked by individuals who were never interested in peaceful protests, law or order."

The NPS expressed condolences to the families of two people who lost their lives during the protest.

"Any loss of life is something that the service takes great exception to, as one life lost is one too many."

The NPS confirmed that a full documentation and accountability process is underway.

The service said the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has been notified, pledging maximum cooperation with the independent body for transparent investigations.

The service appealed to members of the public with any information related to the incident to report it at the nearest police station, to a law enforcement officer or through the toll-free emergency hotlines.

“The National Police Service assures the public of its steadfast commitment to the law and pledges transparency and accountability,” the statement said.

It called for continued public cooperation to establish the full facts of the incident.