Blasted over neglecting duties

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By CLIFFORD FAIPARIK
BOUGAINVILLE Police Service commander Francis Tokura has put his officers on blast for neglecting their normal policing duties resulting in a robbery and a burglary during the referendum period.
“Opportunists robbed a shop and broke into another when police were providing security for referendum polling stations,” Tokura told The National yesterday.
“I blasted my officers that they should continue their routine presence in Buka town. I also called on the leaders to monitor their youths.”
He said opportunists broke into the Rait Price Trading and BCM trading last Sunday and escaped with undisclosed amount of money and mobile phones.
“These criminal activities are not related to the referendum,” he said.
“These are opportunists taking advantage of no police presence in Buka town.
“I have blasted my commanders in Buka and told them to continue their normal patrolling in Buka town.”
Last Friday a Chinese-owned shop was robbed in Buka as well and an undisclosed amount of money taken. Tokura said the robbers were armed with a rifle but one was nabbed.
The rest escaped.
He said polling was peaceful throughout Bougainville.
“I’m now in Buin (South Bougainville) after travelling the highway from Buka (North Bougainville) .
“All the polling stations along the highway are peaceful and orderly.
“Everyone is excited to determine their future – even in Konnou (South Bougainville) constituency where a man was killed during a dispute among the Mekamui faction.
“Polling is progressing peacefully there.
“After all, the killing is not related to the referendum.”
Tokura said police and community leaders were negotiating for calm in Mekamui.

2 comments

  • Well, don’t think that with independence things will change. People will remain the same. There might be an increase in criminal activities. If some element of people don’t respect the period of referendum, do you think they will care about and independent Bougainville?
    NO!! They will continue with what they are good at.

  • Break, Enter & Stealing and Murder on referendum day…..not a good sign and no amount of “Blasting”will work.

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