Cops charged with stealing

ELEVEN police officers found in possession of items allegedly stolen from Parliament last week have been charged and remanded in custody to await their court apperance.
Police Commissioner Gari Baki said in a statement that 10 officers were members of the police band. The 11th is based at the Badili police station.
“The 11 policemen, all based in the National Capital District, were arrested, charged and locked up at the Boroko police station by the Policing the Police Task Force Team for being in possession of various items, including water dispensers and water bottles, allegedly stolen from Parliament,” he said.
Baki commended the Police Task Force team for arresting the 11 officers after compiling “credible evidence” and obtaining a search warrant from the court to search them.
The 10 members of the police band were based at the Kila Barracks, in Port Moresby.
Baki commended NCD Metropolitan Chief Supt Perou N’Dranou and the PPTF for their efforts.
More police officers are expected to be arrested for the storming of Parliament last Tuesday and the damaging of properties there. It is not clear when charges will be laid.
Police officers and prison wardens stormed Parliament as a protest over the late payment of their allowances for security duties during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’ Week this month.
Prime Minister Peter O’Neill said it would take time to process the payments.
Former prime minister Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare condemned the storming and damaging of properties in Parliament as “disgraceful”.
Finance Secretary Dr Ken Ngangan said K10.8 million was to have been paid out last week to all officers engaged in the Apec Joint Security Task Force. Another K10.8 million was expected to be paid out this week.
Clerk to Parliament Vela Konivaro appealed to the officers involved to return any personal items belonging to staff and other properties they took from Parliament.
Acting Correctional Services Commissioner Stephen Pokanis said warders who entered the Parliament building would be dealt with under the Apec Safety and Security Act.
“That Act is still in force until December 1,” he said.