McGregor cops put up blockade

By ANGELINE KARIUS

 

THE alleged removal of a police vehicle used by director for Special Services Division (SSD) David Manning has infuriated members of the division who set up a blockade to possible security threats within its divisional headquarters at McGregor barracks outside Port Moresby, The National reports.

In the light of SSD’s refusal to hand over a number of weapons to the task force. 

According to a senior sgt major who requested anonymity, a retrenched police senior inspector and two former SSD members tailed director Manning’s five door Toyota Landcruiser vehicle from Bomana Police College into the barracks.

He said Manning’s driver, also a policeman, was held at gunpoint after parking in front of the headquarters car park at around 9pm and 10pm.

He said the driver was asked to give up the keys to the vehicle but refused.

“He was punched by both suspended colleagues on both sides of his ears and kicked when he fell onto the bitumen.

“The senior inspector then removed the keys and drove away in the Landcruiser including two weapons which were in the vehicle,” he said.

He said the driver then called the officer who claims a blockade was set up until daybreak the next day. 

It is understood that the senior inspector involved flew with the contingent that left for Vanimo, West Sepik, to conduct border patrol operations yesterday.

“To our understanding this is a hold-up that took place here.

“We want to know who gave the directives and issued orders to retrieve the vehicle in the middle of the night.

Asked if there was a mutiny looming in the division, he added “we are intact”.

“There is no mutiny and there is no stand-off but only frustration over the alleged incident.

“The public and investors can be assured that there are no such claims as mutiny in the division.

“We are here to serve the RPNGC Commissioner of the day,” he said.   

SSD director is currently on sick leave for an indefinite period.

The National was told that the vehicle was later located at Police Headquarters in Konedobu.

The keys and weapons were handed over to NCD Met Supt Joseph Tondop.

NCD Met Supt could not be reached for comments regarding the blockade and related matters.