Court frees Kasieng

By ANGELINE KARIUS
FORMER West Sepik provincial police commander Sakawar Kasieng is relieved after his case was dismissed at the Vanimo district court at 2pm yesterday.
Kasieng was arrested and charged in February  for a number of charges, including one count of assault against a health extension officer in 2009 that has been struck out by the court. 
The other charges are of one count of wilful damage to property, one count of use of threatening words and one count of illegal use of motor vehicle, of which he denied all.
National Court judge George Manuhu, who presided over the matter, dismissed it on grounds of insufficient evidence to prosecute Kasieng and directed a bail refund of K200.
It is understood that the state filed a prosuqi case instead – meaning if enough evidence is found in future then the case could be reopened for prosecution.  
Kasieng stated: “I am totally relieved.
“I accepted the process of the court and it has in its wisdom reached this decision.”
He said his lawyer had filed a lawsuit against the state and that was delivered in February, on the grounds of unlawful suspension, unlawful detention by the military personnel of Operation Sunset Merona, defamation of character and malicious prosecution.
Kasieng also added that he was still under suspension and had questioned police headquarters over the meddling of his position as no review was done before the 21 days had lapsed.
He remains suspended from office while former North Fly provincial police commander Tobby Hamago is acting West Sepik commander.
Meanwhile, acting Police Commissioner  Tony Wagambie when contacted yesterday confirmed that the matter will be looked into.