Killer cops get lengthy jail terms

By CLIFFORD FAIPARIK
THREE drunken police officers who shot dead a man returning home from work two years ago have been sentenced to long jail terms – one to life imprisonment and two to 20 years each.
Justice Nicholas Miviri,pictured, told the National Court in Kimbe that it was a “cold-blooded killing (which) did not have a place in civilised society, especially from policemen in uniform”.
He imposed the life sentence on Jack Pipilak, 31, from Tinganagalip village in the Gazelle district of East New Britain for shooting dead off-duty bus driver Clive Nick Sitban at around 10pm on May 6, 2017.
“Jack Pipilak’s reaction was inexcusable and uncalled for. He was affected by alcohol that he had consumed while still on duty,” he said.
Justice Miviri sentenced to 20 years each with hard labour Hilary Someri, 27, from Sauri village in Wewak, East Sepik, and Blaise Watakapura, 27, from Balaeau village in Bogia, Madang.
The court was told that the three had been drinking and later travelled in a vehicle hired by the police towards the Sarakolok settlement.
Pipilak who was driving stopped when he heard a sound like someone stoning the vehicle.
He got out and without asking any questions shot Sitban who was about five meters away walking home from work.
The badly injured Sitban tried to escape from the scene but collapsed.
Sitban with the help of Watakapura dragged his lifeless body towards the road and loaded it on the vehicle.
The court was told that the three officers had been drinking at Lakemata Prison between 7pm and 9.30pm.
Justice Miviri said police officers were bound by the oath they had sworn to uphold the law and protect the people.
“This is an oath that bound the (three officers). (This case) brings the name of good police men and women into ridicule and disrepute,” he said.
“As a disciplined organisation, it draws ill-discipline and calls for punitive and stern action against (rogue officers).”
Justice Miviri said it was also “a reflection of the fundamental right to life under Section 35 of the Constitution”.
“It reflects the sanctity of life which is lived only once,” he said.
“In the present case, it is a serious and aggravated matter where policemen are involved in its breach.”
The three will serve their sentences at Lakemata.
Someri and Watakapura will serve 19 years and 10 months each after deducting the two months they had spent in custody during the trial.