Policeman charged with rape

By ELLEN TIAMU
A POLICEMAN in Bulolo, Morobe, has been arrested and charged with the rape of a school girl who was being held in custody at the time.
Robert Ngalai, 43, is from Bayamatu village, in the Buang local government area of Bulolo.
First Const Ngalai was attached with Mobile Squad 15 based in Bulolo.
The student had been held at the Bulolo police lock-up for nearly four weeks when she was raped.
She was detained for her alleged involvement in the theft of a 9mm pistol.
The girl had earlier said the accused had approached her in her cell at 1am and had appeared to be heavily intoxicated.
She said the officer was also carrying a gun.
After questioning her on the whereabouts of another female detainee, the student said the policeman had unlocked the cell door and ushered her into the MS15 office in the same building where he sexually assaulted her.
Provincial police commander David Warap said Ngalai was arrested by Bulolo police detectives on Monday and charged with sexual penetration.
He is out on a K500 police bail and will appear for mention at a later date. Warap said Ngalai has been suspended from duty.
He called on policemen and women in the province to maintain discipline at all times.
He said they were not above the law.
Meanwhile, a man from Tamigidu village in Finschhafen is in custody in Lae following the death of his wife last Friday. Warap said the woman died after being assaulted.
He said investigations were continuing and the man could be charged soon.