Policemen implicated in ENB crimes to be suspended and removed says Deputy Commissioner Andrews

POLICE MEDIA

Acting Deputy Police Commissioner Operations Jim Andrews said four serving policemen charged for Sexual Touching, Sexual Penetration and Wilful Murder in the East New Britain Province will be suspended from duties forthwith.
The four serving members and one former policeman were all charged for sexual assault and murder, in Kokopo and Kerevat respectively.
The Kokopo Committal court found sufficient evidence against the five men and referred them to stand trial at the National Court.
Andrews said Commissioner Geoffrey Vaki issued instructions for the four serving members to be suspended and served with Serious Disciplinary Offence Reports (SDORs).
"Once the SDORs are served, they will receive Notice of Penalties (NOPs) effecting their termination from the Constabulary," he said.
"As Commissioner Vaki has declared a zero tolerance level on such behaviours by members of the Constabulary, enough is enough. The four policemen will be removed from the Constabulary so they can fight their cases as civilians in the criminal court.
"The Constabulary will not harbour crime suspects. They committed very serious crimes and the law will deal with them."
An investigative team from Port Moresby arrested and charged Reserve Constable Sakius Kilala and Senior Sergeant Hunat Bapun for sexually assaulting a female detainee in early October 2014. It is alleged the woman was sexually abused inside the Kokopo Police lock-up while in detention for causing the death of her husband.
The investigators also arrested and charged a former policeman Andrew Nasala, Reservist Nathan Maita and Constable Robert Gigi over the death of a detainee who was allegedly beaten to death inside the Kerevat Police station.
Andrews commended Officers from Internal Affairs for swiftly investigating the matter and pressing charges on the five suspects.
He warned all members of the Constabulary to respect the rights of citizens who come in conflict with the law.
He said the RPNGC management will continue to show good leadership and governance by punishing members of the Constabulary who break the country's laws.