Cop involved in alleged killing held

A POLICEMAN allegedly involved in the death of a local at the Turubu Oil Palm project site outside Wewak town is still in custody, East Sepik police commander Supt Albert Beli says.
He said an earlier petition from relatives of the deceased, which lapsed yesterday, had been extended for 14 days.
Supt Beli said it was to give the company, that had engaged the policeman, sufficient time to look into the terms of the petition.
It was earlier reported that the Port Moresby-based policeman was deployed to East Sepik to provide security at the logging camp at Turubu and plywood factory at Kanduwanum.
Supt Beli had said the policeman was allegedly under the influence of alcohol when he shot the man from Turubu, an employee of the Turubu Oil Palm project.
He said the policeman was being questioned over the matter.
Meanwhile, Supt Beli announced the establishment of a taskforce unit to help curb lawlessness in the province.
He said the unit comprised those who were physically fit so they could chase criminals and visit isolated areas.
Supt Beli said the 20 men and a female would undergo training and familiarise rules of engagement.
“Lawlessness in the province has prompted the local police to establish a taskforce unit based on the limited manpower and resources that it has,” he said.
“The unit comprised promoted reservists, those who are physically fit to climb mountains and cross rivers to pursue suspects.
“They will be divided into two groups and respond to situations under my watch.”