Long-serving officers farewelled

SIX long-serving police officers in the National Capital District ended their careers yesterday.
National Capital District Supt Operations Insp Brian Kombe, Snr Sgt Roger Kaupa Tau, CID Chief Sgt Alois Yakapu, Snr Const Amos Kena Gaegae, Gerehu PSC Michael Gegeta and former Met Supt Andy Bawa were officially farewelled at the Boroko police station.
Members of the dog unit, general beats, police women, public safety unit and CID staged the parade in recognition of their departing comrades’ service to the police force.
It was also announced that former Gerehu PSC Fred Tundu will be the next Supt Operations taking over from  Kombe. Speaking during the farewell ceremony, NCD Met Supt Benjamin Turi told the young constables and retiring officers that together they had made a change and reduced the crime rate in the city.
“When I took office, it was a rough ride, there were lots of issues faced, but all of you standing here did us wonders. You changed the crime rate that was once high, and have put people in the right place, cut out bad officers by changing them,” Turi said.
He said discipline was an issue before he took office but all that had changed, he has his secretary and officers doing the job and there was no regionalism in the police force.
“When I took office I made sure there was no regionalism.
“All PSCs and officers are from different regions put in different stations and serving the people fairly.
“In the first quarter the number of officers facing discipline was 50 and now that has come down to 35 and should reduce by end of the year.”
Turi told the young officers that to climb up the ranks was not an easy and requires dedication, discipline and creativity in their duties.
“This is a noble job we all signed on the Bible to serve the people.”