Pang’s alleged ‘thug’ manhandled photographer

Assistant Commissioner for Police (special operations) Donald Yamasombi says the public must respect all who are doing their job, be it in the private or public sectors.
“Those who have been prevented from carrying out their duties can lodge reports for us to investigate and take appropriate actions,” he added.
Commenting on a police report lodged by The National reporter Sylvester Wemuru yesterday, ACP Yamasombi said he was upset with the incident at the Boroko district court.
Wemuru reported that photographer Kennedy Bani was manhandled and threatened by a group of men outside the court on Friday.
The group, believed to be supporters of Sanctuary Hotel operations manager Jamie Pang, prevented Bani from taking shots of Pang being escorted by policemen.
Pang, 43, from Sydney, was charged with two counts under the Dangerous Drug Act 1951 by the police and was brought to court for bail hearing.
Yamasombi advised the photographer to lay a formal complaint.
The group confronted Bani and held his hand tightly when he took out his camera to take pictures as the police van was entering the court compound.
One of the men in the group who confronted Bani said “Do not take Jamie’s photo, he (Jamie) is a good person, you wouldn’t know unless you’re a close acquaintance”, and held his hand tightly, preventing him from taking pictures.
The group then followed Bani to the Boroko police station car park to confirm that he had not taken any photos of Pang. Those who followed Jamie when he was transported to Boroko police station were all locals from different provinces.
When they saw Bani at the car park about to leave for his office, they walked towards the vehicle, ordered him to confirm to them that no photographs were taken.
Bani confirmed that no photos were taken.