Family of wanted suspect killed by cop demands K2mil compo

By CLIFFORD FAIPARIK
RELATIVES of a wanted suspect killed by police in Buka are demanding K2 million compensation from the Bougainville government, police commander Deputy Commissioner Francis Tokura says.
“They are demanding that ABG (Autonomous Bougainville Government) pay the compensation before the deceased is buried,” he said.
The commander said that the deceased was wanted by police for a series of violent crimes such as wilful murder, rape, armed robbery and escaping from police custody.
“Police allegedly shot him in his left thigh at Kubu at about 2pm on Tuesday,” he said.
Deputy Comm Tokura said the suspect was seen by neighbours when breaking into a house at Kubu on New Year’s Day.
“The owner of the house reported that matter to police, with the identification of the suspect,” he said.
“When police went to Kubu to question him, he became aggressive and attacked a policeman with a grass knife. In self-defence, the policeman shot him in his thigh.
“He was then taken to the Buka General Hospital and passed away from loss of blood.”
The commander said when the man’s relatives heard of his death, they mobilised and damaged vehicles hired by the National Fisheries Authority and PNG Customs for an operation in Bougainville to prevent illegal beche-de-mer harvesting.
“NFA and PNG Customs had hired these vehicles and together with police have carried out operations and so the relatives vented their frustration by damaging these vehicles.
“They then took the deceased from the hospital on a trolley and pushed him to the police station to demand compensation.
“But I was there with some ABG leaders and we told them that we are concerned about the killing and will do our own investigation.
“I also told them that independent investigators from the police headquarters in Port Moresby will come and conduct an investigation.
“Also, the policeman accused of the killing has been stood down from duty and the firearm used in the killing has been confiscated.
“They gave their petition to ABG to demand K2 million as compensation and said they wanted it before burying the deceased.
“I told them that the deceased has to be buried and ABG will still look at their petition.
“So they left and took the deceased back to the hospital.”
Deputy Comm Tokura said that the deceased, who was in his late 20s, had a history of violence.