MP arrested

The National Main Stories
Silva Sika

By REBECCA KUKU
GOROKA MP Aiye Tambua is facing 26 charges relating to alleged sexual offences against his two daughters and wife.
The politician was arrested yesterday, and refused police bail due to the serious nature of his alleged crimes, says Police Commissioner David Manning.
Tambua, when contacted yesterday, said he would make a full media statement on Wednesday in relation to the charges “denying each and every allegation”.
The MP was brought in for a record of interview at 1pm yesterday at the Konedobu Police Headquarters, Port Moresby. He was interviewed by Boroko police detectives led by officer-in-charge, Chief Inspector Charles Winuan.
After four hours of interview, Tambua was arrested at 4pm and escorted to the Boroko police station where he was officially charged and detained.
NCD metropolitan commander Supt Silva Sika confirmed the arrest and charges yesterday.
He said in a statement that the MP, who was forced to relinquish his Agriculture and Livestock ministry in the wake of these allegations, “was locked up
in the Boroko cells at around 5.30pm”.
Sika said the MP’s family members filed their complaint with Boroko police late last year before leaving for an overseas
destination in fear for their safety and security.
A thorough police investigation ensued, overseen by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Specialist Operations).
Sika outlined the charges against the parliamentarian as:

  • ONE count of rape under section 347(1) of the PNG Criminal Code;
  • TWO counts of sexual touching of a child under section 22(1)(a) under the PNG Criminal Code, Crimes Against Children Act;
  • FOURTEEN counts of sexual assault under section 349(1)(a) of the PNG Criminal Code;
  • TWO counts of abuse of trust, authority or dependency, under section 229(e)(1) of the PNG Criminal Code; and
  • SIX counts of compelled to touch, contravening section 249(1) of the PNG Criminal Code.

He said considering the severity and criminal nature of the charges filed against the MP, “police cannot grant bail to Mr Tambua, but his lawyer can apply for bail in court”.
Manning said: “This safeguarding mechanism demonstrates RPNGC commitment to investigating all offences thoroughly, irrespective of the suspect’s position within the community.
“The investigation into this matter has been thorough and unrelenting.
“Investigators were supported with technical advice from the PNG-Australia Policing Partnership.
“In keeping with a victim-centric approach to crimes of this nature, police supported victims in obtaining Interim Court Protection Orders at an early stage in the investigation.”
Manning said police had repeatedly sought to interview Tambua, however, the accused employed a range of legal measures to avoid questioning.
“Notwithstanding such attempts, investigators remained committed to a thorough investigation of these serious allegations.
“Today, Tambua was subsequently arrested and formally charged with 25 counts of criminal offences of a serious sexual nature against (members) in his family.”