Kramer calls for probe into fires

POLICE Minister Bryan Kramer who witnessed the burning of homes in a settlement near Madang town last Friday after a policeman was killed wants to see those involved, including police officers, investigated.
He is going to brief Police Comm David Manning on the situation and suggest to him that a police team be sent to Madang to help the new police commander restore command and control in the province.
The policeman was killed at a market in town allegedly by a group of youths.
In retaliation, the officer’s relatives and some policemen raided the settlement at Wagol and burnt down homes, leaving more than 100 families homeless.
Kramer wrote on his social media page that the police officers should have focused on arresting the suspects and not burn down homes.
“Unfortunately, a number of ill-disciplined officers decided to carry out an unlawful raid on a settlement, assaulting innocent men and women causing 105 families to be homeless,” he said.
He will discuss with Manning about sending a police team to Madang “to restore command and control as well as deal with those officers involved in the raid”.
Kramer had arrived in Madang on Friday morning to attend the District Development Authority board meeting.
He said he went to the settlement and saw a group of 30 men, face painted black, armed with bush knives and iron rods walking along the road.
“They were in the company of police officers, one armed with an assault rifle escorting them back to Mildas market.”
He said he saw an off-duty security guard who worked at the market assaulted by the police officers.
Kramer said the body of the policeman was at the Lae Funeral Home.
Arrangements will be made to take his body to Chimbu.
“I would like to extend my condolences to his family and will ensure his death is fully investigated.”