Abel slams actions of policemen accused of attack

By REBECCA KUKU
ACTING Police Minister Charles Abel, pictured, has condemned the actions of three policemen accused of going on a drunken spree and attacking members of the public in Daru, Western, on Saturday.
Abel said the three had been refused bail and would be charged with causing grievous bodily harm.
“However, we need to confirm the circumstances before making conclusions but in principle, police are always to refrain from meting out summary justice,” he said.
“It is not the role of the police to punish the public. It is the role of the courts to determine guilt and the appropriate punishment.
“Policemen and women should not be deliberately harming members of the public under any circumstances.”
Police confirmed reports of three people being hospitalised with serious injuries and another eight were admitted to the Daru General Hospital.
One was in the operating theatre yesterday.
Residents and families of the people attacked gathered at the police station on Sunday morning and demanded the arrest of the officers.
The local owner and contractor of Eterari Construction and Maintenance Ronnie Gwere expressed disappointment following the attack of innocent people.
Gwere, a former policeman, said that the use of unnecessary and unwarranted force on innocent citizens was unacceptable.
“The police hierarchy must take drastic action on such behaviour by rogue policemen,” he said.
“Such unruly behaviour by a few officers destroys the image of the police force.”