Officer wanted for alleged assault during eviction

A police officer is wanted for alleged assault in relation to a home-eviction exercise carried out by police last Saturday at Gerehu stage one in the National Capital District.
NCD Metro Supt Benjamin Turi claimed the recent promoted Chief Inspector Stanley Poga, who was evicted from the disputed house on orders from the NCD police commander, returned that night with his relatives and allegedly assaulted relatives of the property owner.
“Police officers were carrying out orders signed by Commander Kalaut to do the eviction,” Turi said.
“I’m aware of the issue and have assigned the Hohola police and the police Mobile Squad 20 to work on the case and he will be arrested and charged,” he said.
Turi said Poga had other alleged assault cases against him, including that  of National Fraud and Anti-corruption Directorate director Matthew Damaru and lawyer Greg Sheppard during a recent case of deported Malaysian businessman Peter Ling and another police officer. He has also been charged with contempt by Justice Hitelai Polume Kiele of the Waigani National Court.
Property owner Matthew Sokoli told The National that Poga, who was evicted based on an eviction order signed by NCD-Central Commander Sylvester Kalaut, returned at night and threatened and assaulted his family and caused damaged to his vehicle and property.
“He is a high-ranking officer and is it fair for him to assault and threaten us? Is the police force going to continue to tolerate such rogue officers?” he said.
Sokoli said he wanted to retaliate but he respected the law and requested justice.
Turi said Poga was transferred to the Rabaul police legal branch but did not take up the post.