Investigations on Manam resettlement complete: Police

POLICE have completed their investigations on the Manam Resettlement Authority and the files have been submitted to court, Northern commander Assistant Commissioner Peter Guinness says.
“But lawyers representing those arrested and charged are trying to disqualify Madang-based magistrates (from presiding on the case),” he added.
Asked if the current police retirement exercise and General Election 2022 would affect the progress of the files, Guinness said “there will not be any impact on the case”.
Guinness said if any of those being investigated wanted to contest the general election, “they can still contest while the case is in progress”.
“At the moment, the matter is in court, I cannot say anything further.
“Some investigations were carried out recently but I cannot reveal anything yet.”
Meanwhile, Guinness said many police retirees had signed their deed of release and have been released.
“They are now ready to get their final entitlements,” he said.
“Many of the retirees will exit the force with a lot of experience.
“These retirees will not participate in the general election and that will have consequences on our manpower.”
Guinness said new policemen and officers needed to be trained to fill the vacuum.