By ZACHERY PER
TWO men have accused the Goroka police of allegedly stripping their vehicles of parts and accessories worth thousands of kina.
They also blamed the court system for contributing to the theft by failing to resolve with their cases promptly.
Elementary school inspector Charlie Kavanina, whose vehicle was impounded at the Goroka police station for more than a year following an ownership dispute, claimed that police removed the fuel cap, rear view mirrors, stereo, seat covers, spare tyre, tools and other parts.
He said he found betelnut husks, sand and food debris inside the fuel tank.
There were also betel-nut stains all over the vehicle.
“As the court dragged the issue on, my vehicle was slowly being cannibalised by police officers manning the station. They could have sold these parts, I don’t know,” he told The National.
“If we cannot trust the police, who do we turn to?”
Another owner whose vehicle was detained after an alleged traffic infringement also raised similar complaints.
George Herepe was, however, not available to elaborate yesterday.