Cops charged with drink-driving

By HELEN TARAWA
NEWLY appointed Popondetta Police Station Commander Silas Tojune and another officer have been charged with drink-driving and causing and accident and have been suspended for 21 days.
Provincial police commander Superintendent Michael Welly told The National that an incident happened on Wednesday night near Popondetta Hospital involving a police vehicle which was being driven by an officer without a licence.
“I’ve suspended Tojune and Senior Constable Modula Deboya for drinking and driving so we are now putting together their disciplinary files to serve on them when their suspension is lifted,” Welly said.
“He was on a drinking spree with one of his constables and overturned the vehicle, a Nissan Patrol donated by the Masere. The vehicle’s been damaged.
“They were fortunate to get away without being injured. Photographs were taken of the accident and posted on Facebook and Commissioner of Police Gari Baki is not happy about such a behaviour.”
Welly said police needed to protect assets that had been given to them using taxpayer money.
Welly said the officers would be dealt with administratively after investigations.
He said the 21-day suspension period started on July 26 and would be reviewed on Aug 15.
“If the investigations are completed, we will lift the suspension and deal with the officers appropriately,” Welly said.