Cops charged for assault, possession of firearm while drunk

TWO police officers were yesterday arrested and charged with assault and in possession of a firearm while drinking by the Policing the Police Task Force Team in Port Moresby.
Aidan Hevoho, 31, from the Waigani Support Unit, and Lesley Aihi, 31, a reservist also based at the Waigani police station, are scheduled to appear in court on Monday.
Police alleged that on New Year’s day at around 3.30pm, the two officers drove to Andrew Tambiri’s residence in Waigani in a white five-door motor vehicle with no registration number and assaulted Tambiri and Handabe Rex.
The next day, after the case was reported to the Task Force Team, the team apprehended them at Ensisi Valley. Both were drinking and were in possession of a firearm, a police the statement said.
The suspects were formally cautioned and charged — one count of assault against Aihi and two counts of assault against Hevoho and an additional charge against each of them for allegedly being in possession of a firearm while consuming alcohol. They were remanded in custody after they allegedly threatened Tambiri.
However, on Tuesday this week they were granted bail to respond to their administrative charges.
The statement said both were suspended from duties.