Cop’s 6 charges dismissed

By SCHOLAR KASSAS
A MAGISTRATE says being present at the scene of a crime does not necessarily mean one is an accessory.
Magistrate Paul Puri Nii said this yesterday when dismissing six charges against policeman, Mali Kavi, 30, from Auwi village in Koroba, Hela, in the Waigani Committal Court. He said there was not enough evidence to make a case against Kavi on the charges of armed robbery, deprivation of liberty and abuse of office.
“All police evidence including the victim says Kavi did not participate in the allegation although he was present at the scene,” Nii said.
He said looking at someone being robbed was not the same as helping the robber rob the person. Nii then dismissed the charges against Kavi and ordered his bail refunded.
Police alleged that on April 7, 2021, Kavi was part of a group of policemen who were on duty and patrolling the Erima area in a 10-seater Toyota land cruiser.
During their patrol they picked up the victims who were allegedly selling betel nut and other goods by the roadside. Instead of having the victims taken to a nearby police station to be dealt with, they were taken to a location at the back of ATS and 7-Mile and were assaulted by members of the police.
The policemen allegedly robbed the victims of personal items including money. A complainant was subsequently lodged and Kavi was arrested and charged by police.