Man arrested over possession of pistol

A 21-YEAR-OLD man of mixed Madang and Chimbu parentage was arrested and charged by police in Madang last week for being in possession of a functioning pistol.
Madang police commander Supt Mazuc Rubiang said officers on a routine patrol in Madang town spotted the man behaving suspiciously and when he saw the patrol vehicle approaching, he tried to flee but was caught and searched and the pistol was found on him.
He said the firearm was tucked in his waist under his belt.
Supt Rubiang said the man was then taken to Jomba Police Station where he was interrogated about the firearm and admitted that it was his.
The man said he had had the gun for almost a year.
Supt Rubiang said a young man illegally carrying a gun in a public place meant there was some intention to use it to commit a crime.
He called on the public to report anyone who was in possession of unlicenced firearms as these weapons were more than likely to be used in crimes.