Family assaulted, robbed

The National Main Stories

A FAMILY in Port Moresby claimed it lost properties after a group of armed policemen allegedly stormed their home early on Sunday, assaulted some of them and took what they could.
Banabas Steven, 30, of Chimbu, who was a victim of that incident, said he was in his house with four other men sitting outside when about a dozen policemen went to the house.
He said the policemen ordered them to lie on the floor while they started to search.
“While we were lying, the policemen used their gun butts to hit us – on the back and our faces – while the others searched the house, removing our phones, extension cord, food and even took our money,” Steven said.
Steven’s sister, who also lost her bank cards and money, said the action of the policemen was unacceptable and they wanted their properties back because they needed their cards to do banking and withdraw money for food.
She said she was surprised with the way policemen acted when they approached the house fully armed and their faces covered as though there were some enemies who were trying to attack them.
Gibson Wato, a neighbour of the family, said it was still dark when he heard the noise of the policemen bashing up men on the other side so he woke up to see what was going on.
“I thought that I was watching a movie, police fully-armed and had their faces covered, bashing my neighbours,” Wato said.
“I just stood helplessly and watched them as they went into the house and removed things inside the house.
“The Government is hiring the vehicles and the police are using these vehicles to attack their own people, who are struggling to survive in the city with whatever little that they have.
“When I saw them getting foodstuff from the house, I was thinking how the family had struggled to find the food.”
Wato said he had helped the family lay formal complaints at Gordon Police Station.
Assis Comm of Police (ACP) Anthony Wagambie Jnr earlier said there were so many similar complaints about police.
“That is unethical, too many complaints,” he said.
ACP Wagambie said some officers had been suspended for such behaviour.

15 comments

  • I think this are not real Police the rascals are taking advantage of Police uniform and hire cars, so I think its good that the hire cars given should be monitored or a sign of covid -19 should be written on the side of the cars or the glass.
    Thanks.

  • ACP Wagambie and the police hierarchy needs to seriously address discipline in the Police force. These are tugs in police uniforms, causing havoc with criminal intent

  • Government please Act now before more lives and properties are destroyed by people whom we trusted to protect ordinary people. Its a shame indeed.

  • Where are we heading PNG?? This bloody cops are supposed to protect people and property but they are doing the opposite. Send these buns of idiots straight to prison, please.

  • These officers are hatred among the citizens. Police hierarchy must investigate as it’s not the first incident. Not long police officers will be gunned. Citizens are fed up with such animalistic officers. Expect revenge anytime.

  • It was another sad day for this family who are the victim of police brutality.
    I have trust in Wagambie….. this rogue cops will pack up and go for good.

  • What a bunch of criminals in Police Uniforms, these idiots should be sent packing to Bomana Jail, and let the real criminals deal with them behind bars.

  • Please treat your people properly!
    Take these untrained who know nothing about law, can we sue the matter in the court of law.

  • No reason has been stated by those who were attached so is there any reason why police personals did this?
    If these police personals did this without any reason then is big question?

  • ACP Wagambie cleaned up Lae City Policemen who were involved in such behaviour. I hope, he’ll clean up such in NCD. I know, he’ll do it. I have believe in him.

    On the other hand, comments by “Mangi Observer” in public forum must be of sensitive approach and not of such. Please keep your emotions out.

  • I think criminals are taking advantage over Police uniforms during SOE period. Government should find way to expose those police who are responsible for Covid19 response Unit.

Comments are closed.