Kramer wants abuse probed

By REBECCA KUKU
Three recent alleged cases of violence against children in Port Moresby will be investigated and perpetrators will be held accountable, Police Minister Bryan Kramer, pictured says.
Kramer told The National that if investigations confirmed the allegations of child abuse, officers involved would be dealt with according to the law.
Three children were allegedly beaten and locked up at the Boroko Police Station two weeks ago; four children were stripped, beaten and spray painted on after they were allegedly caught defacing property with graffiti.
In a another incident, a grade eight student in school uniform was allegedly beaten by police officers.
Samuel Kolas, 18, a student at Wardstrip Primary School, was allegedly beaten up by three policemen while waiting to catch bus.
Kolas was then thrown into a vehicle and taken to the 9-Mile Dog Unit Base where he was assaulted and abused for over five hours. He was left at 9-Mile and had to find his own way home.
Kramer said police could exercise reasonable force to effect arrests but anything deemed to be in excess could constitute unlawful assault as well as breach of human rights.
“Each of the issues will be dealt with through an investigation,” Kramer said.
Community Development and Religion Minister Wake Goi also told The National that perpetrators of violence against children could be fined up to K5,000 or face imprisonment not exceeding two years or both under the Lukautim Pikinini Act in relation, to the three cases of alleged child abuse.
Department secretary Anna Solomon also supported Goi’s call for the arrest of the policemen.
Meanwhile, pictures of the students continue to be circulated on social media with public comments supporting Kramer and Goi’s concerns, others support stiffer penalties.