Ron Knight, the local MP and vice minister for trade, commerce and industry, said the detention centre operator Transfield Services has reportedly removed the three workers from the province.

“Police are investigating. Police are demanding and I’m personally demanding they be flown back immediately and, if they haven’t done it, then their names will definitely cleared,” said Mr Knight.

“They should also be advised that under PNG law pack-rape attracts the death penalty.

“Unfortunately, from my high-level contacts in the police, we believe the operators have already removed those three suspects from the scene and flown them out of the province, which is totally disgusting.”

A Department of Immigration and Border Protection spokesperson said it has “not been notified of any allegation of a sexual assault”.

Transfield Services and sub-contractor Wilson Security have been contacted by SBS for comment.

Mr Knight says if the workers have been removed then it would be interfering with the police investigation.

“I believe those people who have done that should be charged also for breaching our laws in Papua New Guinea,” he said.

“Whoever issued the movement orders and the management should be held responsible.”

The Manus MP said he had spoken to the family of the woman involved.

“She is very shaken and very upset and she will be preparing a statement,” he said.

In an unrelated incident on the weekend, an off-duty local worker at the detention centre was allegedly murdered and another has reportedly had a hand severed.

“Allegations of this nature are a matter for the Papua New Guinea Police Force,” the Department of Immigration and Border Protection said in a statement.

“However the department is aware of the death of a locally engaged subcontractor in the Manus community over the weekend and understands the PNG Police are investigating the circumstances.”

“The department … has no information about an regional processing centre worker’s hand being severed.”

The incidents are not thought to be due to their work at the detention centre.

Mr Knight warns the detention centre is pushing the Manus community to breaking point.

“The camel has had its last straw put on its back, and when it’s broken, it will be embarrassing for both (the Australian and PNG) governments. At the moment people are getting really tired of what’s happening,” he said.