Officers charged with assault

TWO policemen who allegedly assaulted a woman and her uncle last month have been arrested and charged by Kokopo police.
Police have charged Gregory Takavong, 28, from Nanuk village, Kokopo, East New Britain, and Gilbert Yaunis, 28, from Gumine, Chimbu, with assault causing grievous bodily harm.
Provincial police commander Joseph Tabali said a third officer, who is out on duty in Pomio, will also be arrested and charged upon his return to Kokopo.
Tabali said the trio were on duty on the early hours of Dec 29, 2018, when they chased Helen Morgan and her uncle Brian Morgan from Gazelle International Hotel to Takubar.
They were brought back to Kokopo Police Station and assaulted.
“Helen (Morgan) was driving her uncle back to his home in Sea View when she was stopped by the policemen,” Tabali said.
“The policemen ordered her to come out of the vehicle. She insisted to know why the policemen became angry.
“They forced the two out of the vehicle and took them to the Kokopo Police Station.”
Tabali said according to medical reports, Morgan (Helen) was punched several times on her face and she fell to the concrete floor unconscious. While she was on the floor, she was kicked with boots several times.
Her uncle was also punched and kicked.
“From her medical report, Helen suffered two fractures to her lower and upper jaws,” Tabali said.
“She also has a swollen and bruised face.
“Doctors said she will need special plates and screws to hold her jaw in place.”
Tabali said he had suspended the policemen involved for 21 days with pay.
They are out on K200 bail and Tabali said they would appear in court this week.