Airport murder suspect ‘freed’ by duty officer

A MAN arrested by police over the Jackson International airport murder and robbery case in February has been freed – by a police officer guarding him at Boroko police station.
And NCD metropolitan commander Supt  Joseph Tondop is an angry man because his officers had just last week picked up the man, believed to be the prime suspect in the murder and robbery case.
“This is unbecoming of a professional police officer, who betrayed his own profession by releasing the most wanted criminal whom we were looking for,’’ he said.
He said his officer had been hunting down the man for so long and were happy when they finally got him last week.
But he said it took one mistake by another officer to see him escape again.
“This is really frustrating,” Tondop said.
The police officer has been charged with permitting an escape and will appear before the Boroko District Court.
He said it should serve as a warning to other officers not to accept bribes.
“I will not hesitate to charge any police officer who are in the habit of aiding detainees escape from police custody,” he said.
He said the police officer will later be subjected to internal disciplinary charges.
Meanwhile, Tondop said the number of stolen motor vehicles had increased and warned the drivers in the city to be careful.
Tondop said drivers must take extra precautions when driving in the city.
He said most vehicles had not been recovered.