Hagen detectives arrest cop

A POLICEMAN was arrested and charged by Mt Hagen-based detectives last  Saturday in relation to the burning down of a container filled with ballot boxes in Banz, Jiwaka, two months ago.
He is the sixth person to be arrested, with other suspects still on the run.
Michael Tua Kemzi, 47, from Wara Kar village, Jiwaka, was arrested by police and slapped with four counts relating to the incident.
Assistant commissioner of police highlands Teddy Tei yesterday said Kemzi was charged with arson, armed robbery, illegal use of motor vehicle and causing grievous bodily harm.
“The suspect is a member of the Mt Hagen-based mobile squad,” Tei said.
The suspect is a first constable.
“He is locked up at the Mt Hagen police cells awaiting his court appearance.
“Some more policemen, of Jiwaka origin, are involved in this and we are looking for them as well,” Tei said.
“They know themselves so they must surrender to police,” he said.
Tei said the law was for everyone and police would deal firmly with officers who broke it.
The other suspects earlier charged are James Bombie, 35; Oho Du Mong, 36; and Martin Tongam, all from Tombel, Jiwaka; John Mangi, 55, from Kupa, Minj and Joseph Kanke Tolai, 32, from Kaunigl, Minj.
Detectives working on the case are trying to establish whether the suspects are linked to any candidates or politicians in the province.