Angry cops threaten to close NCD stations

POLICE in the National Capital District have threatened to close all the stations if their grievances over the assault of their officers are not adequately addressed.
They expressed their anger yesterday when Police Commissioner Tom Kulunga failed to meet them at the Gordon police barracks to receive their petition.
Their anger stemmed from the assault of their officers by members of a police unit, allegedly deployed from the highlands to help monitor the law and order situation in the capital city.
The officers wanted members of the highlands unit sent back to their stations and for those involved in the assault to be arrested and charged.
Senior police officers from headquarters attended and tried to calm down the NCD policemen.
NCD metropolitan commander Supt Peter Guinness assured them that investigations into the incident would be carried out.
“I urge all policemen to resume your duties and not to disrupt the investigation as this may lead to the disruption and deferral of the general election,” he said.
As the investigation began, the NCD policemen demanded from the senior officers that all those involved in the assault be charged.
Spokesman Sgt Paul Simon said all police stations in the city would be unmanned if no positive response was forthco­ming from the hierarchy.
He said all members of the highlands mobile squad must be sent back immediately to their respective provinces.
“We want the commissioner to be present here and talk to us, and not send your senior officers to come here and receive our concerns,” they said.
The angry officers fired shots into the air in front of the senior officers.
President of the Police Association Lowa Tambua condemned the in-fighting among the officers and said it should be quickly resolved.
“I warn politicians not to take this situation out of context and inflame the tense atmosphere but rather be wary of their actions and speeches, especially on the eve of the election.”