Kaupa seeks independent investigation into Erima incident

By REBECCA KUKU
MORESBY North-East MP John Kaupa has called for an independent investigation into the incident at Erima where two men were killed and six others injured after a clash between police and settlers last month.
Kaupa raised the question on Tuesday in Parliament during Questions without Notice to the Police Minister Bryan Kramer, saying that the people were Papua New Guinea citizens and were unarmed but were shot at by police and therefore the investigation needed to be done independently.
“Two young men, one aged 20 and the other 18, were shot to death and six others, who were in their homes, were also injured by stray bullets,” Kaupa said.
“The oldest is a 70-year-old men and the youngest a 12-year-old student.” Kaupa also asked Kramer to give an update on the status of the investigation into the shootings.
Kramer said the investigation would be led by highly experienced and competent police officers and he was confident they would perform their duties professionally.
“The Criminal Investigations Division will work with the Ombudsman Commission to conduct the investigations and my office will also work closely with and oversee the investigations to ensure that it is not biased,” Kramer said.
He said that if the people wanted to, they could request for a coronial investigation which could be done in the courts and witnesses would be called to provide statements.