Complaint made against soldiers over threats, theft

By CLIFFORD FAIPARIK
A BUSINESSMAN in Western has lodged a complaint with the police and military about the two armed soldiers who took 10 cartons of beer as well as K300 from him last week.
Powerjam Trading owner Martin Mabiowi owns the only businesshouse at Morehead station in South Fly which serves public servants and villagers.
He said the two soldiers were part of the PNG Defence Force troops patrolling the Indonesia border.
“The soldiers threatened me at gun point at Morehead station and robbed me off 10 cartons of beer worth K2160 and K300 cash,” he said.
“They were based at Weam station and had travelled almost 70kms by road to Morehead. They woke me up at about 3.30am last Sunday (Jan 14).”
Defence Force commander Brigadier General Gilbert Toropo said he was not aware of the incident although some senior military officers at Murray Barracks in Port Moresby said they had heard about it.
Border Division Police Commander Superintendent Philip Welia said he was yet to get a report from police officers at Daru and Morehead.
Mabiowi said he had lodged a complaint with the Morehead police station and the defence force commanding officer at Weam.
“The commander was disappointed and had ordered the two out of Weam,” he said.
He said the two men pointed a gun at his head ordering him to hand over the beer and cash.
“After they robbed me, they took the beer to the station and drank with villagers. And at about 9am, they returned to Weam.”
Mabiowi operates a guest house and trade store serving public servants in Morehead.