Police brutality reigns supreme

THE media must be commended for highlighting the constant police brutality on innocent law-abiding and hardworking citizens of PNG.
Although I have read numerous reports about police brutality, I never thought that I will become a victim.
On April 28, as I was returning home with two younger brothers after a game of pool, we came to a police road block at the Waigani tunnel.
We slowed down and were ordered to pull to the side of the road.
A police officer approached and immediately asked for my driving licence which I handed to him.
He checked the licence which is still valid but ordered us out.
The two boys got out on the left side of the car while I got out on the driver’s side.
As soon as we got out, three more policemen approached us to search the vehicle.
After that, they continued to search the two boys who were in the city to witness the graduation of a brother at UPNG.
The policemen removed cash totalling K248 from their pockets during the search.
I walked to the back of the vehicle to explain the situation when one of the police officers ran across the road yelling abusive words at me and punched me until I collapsed.
I struggled to get up when another blow landed on my left temple which left me flat on the ground.
I than felt a kick to the back of my head but, by then, I was already slipping into unconsciousness and I have no idea how many officers used me as a punching bag.
I supposed they only stopped attacking me when they saw me lying in a pool of my own blood.
Is this how our police officers execute their constitutional roles as law enforcing agents?
I will not describe what happened to the two poor village boys but it will be an experience they will never forget.
Papua New Guineans look upon the blue uniform for security, protection, comfort and assistance, but these are quickly eaten away by some mentally-ill people.
If such reckless and uncalled attitude from certain individuals in the RPNGC is not weeded out immediately, our nation is heading in a wrong direction.
Policy makers need to seriously rethink the process of recruiting people to join the police force to retain the pride and respect for the once beautiful blue uniform.
Until today, I am still unable to hear properly as a result of that vicious attack.

Innocent victim
Port Moresby