Kundiawa, Simbu – Police in Simbu Province have arrested 18 Grade 10 male students for alleged public disorder and liquor-related offenses following the completion of their Grade 10 examinations.
According to Provincial Police Commander Detective Superintendent Mazuc Rubiang, the arrests took place in Kundiawa over the weekend. The youths are accused of misbehaving in public and engaging in alcohol‐related misconduct after their exams.
Legal Proceedings & Bail Conditions
Of the 18 arrested, 13 students pleaded not guilty and have been remanded into Barawaghi Correctional Services pending further court proceedings. Some of the students have already entered their pleas to charges of misbehavior and disorderly conduct.
Police set bail at K1,000 per student. Superintendent Rubiang has insisted that this bail amount will not be changed at the request of families. The accused will also have their personal details, fingerprints, and photographs recorded, and their court results forwarded to the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Crimes.
Warnings to Students & Families
Superintendent Rubiang issued a strong warning that misbehavior after major examinations will no longer be tolerated. He cautioned that police records for such offenses may affect future opportunities, including education and employment, as police clearance checks are often required. Students in Grades 8 and 12 were also admonished to avoid such misconduct.
Reaction from the Education Sector
The PNG Education Secretary, Dr. Kombra, publicly condemned the behavior, emphasizing the need for responsibility and decorum during post-exam periods. The Education Secretary’s statement underscores broader concerns about student conduct and accountability in the wake of critical academic milestones.
Context & Implications
Incidents of post-exam misconduct among students have raised alarm across communities and authorities. Some local media reports framed the arrests as part of a crackdown on “post-exam misconduct” in Simbu. The focus now shifts to how the legal process unfolds and how educational institutions, families, and law enforcement might better manage student behavior during high-stress exam periods.