Cops given 1 year probation

By GEORGINA KOREI
A JUDGE has given a non-custodial sentence of 12 months to three policemen charged with abuse of office.
Waigani National Court Acting Judge Tracy Ganaii told John Kama, 42, from Kainantu, Eastern Highlands; Nelson Sapul, 24, from Mendi in South Highlands; and, Stanley Tembon from Anglimp-South Wahgi, Jiwaka, that the court had used its discretion to put them on a one-year probation.
Acting Judge Ganaii said the men had tarnished the reputation of the police by committing an offence for personal gain.
“You have tarnished the good reputation of the police force and for yourselves as law enforcers,” she said.
Lawyer representing the policemen, Bernard Popeau, told the court that Kama was not present in court for the ruling as he was on election security deployment in Kerema, Gulf.
The State submitted that the three policemen had breached public trust of the public while on duty and a sentence of one to three years was appropriate for the abuse of office charge.
Acting Judge Ganaii told Sapul and Tembon, who were present in court, that they would be given 12 months’ probation to change their attitude and be good policemen.
“You will report to the probation officer and sign every Friday to prove that you’re in Port Moresby,” she said.
“You will not consume alcohol and also leave the city without notifying the court through a leave application.”
Acting Judge Ganaii told the three policemen that they had a combined service record of 38 years’ experience and their actions were unacceptable as law enforcers. “Your actions have shown abuse in your line of duty which the effect is a loss of trust,” she said.
Kama, Sapul and Tembon were earlier acquitted on charges of armed robbery and property damage.
The three policemen were among 20 others who allegedly raided the RMW Holdings Ltd White House Trading and removed flex cards, cigarettes and alcohol in April 1, 2018.