Goroka cop suspended for 21 days for bashing security guards

 A POLICEMAN who allegedly bashed security guards in Goroka was suspended from duty on Tuesday, provincial police commander Supt John Kale confirmed.

“The incident of fighting between the security guards and those from Minogere Police Barracks was instigated by the  brother of a policeman, it was the officer’s failure to bring the matter to the police station duty counter to sort out,” Kale said.

“The officer was making a mistake by taking violent actions to support his brother and got involved in the confrontation, so he is now suspended for 21 days, giving time for investigation to complete before a final decision can be made,” Kale told The National.

He said the brother of the policeman identified as Usasas Sylvester was returning from the hospital on Saturday night when he came across Night Owl Security Services (NOSS) guards and other members of the public and asked for a cigarette. “Those who were there made fun of him and Sylvester argued with them and a fight broke out. 

He was outnumbered and was bashed up. 

“He ran to the police barracks and returned with his policeman brother and others, then the fight got bigger,” Kale said.

Kale reiterated that the policeman should have reported to the police station duty counter.

“He decided to support his brother to fight so he was suspended for 21 days.”