Policeman charged with youth’s murder

A POLICEMAN has been charged with the murder of a youth at Laleki settlement in West New Britain, police commander Chief Supt John Midi says.
He said the officer was also charged with the attempted murder of another youth and would appear before the Kimbe District Court for mention today.
Chief Supt Midi said the officer had been denied bail and would appear in court from custody.
He said the officer would have to apply to the National Court for bail.
Chief Supt Midi said the officer allegedly shot and killed a youth with a police-issued firearm and injured another on July 1.
“After the shooting of the two boys, the suspect didn’t let the rest of us (police officers) know about that incident until a protest march took place the following day,” he said.
Chief Supt Midi said the protesters also blocked a main road in Kimbe, with the wreck of an old bus and set fire to it, as well as tyres affecting traffic and movement by the public.
He said local police brought the situation under control and removed the wreck and other debris.
Chief Supt Midi said detectives from Kokopo in East New Britain, were flown in to investigate the shooting.
He said the injured boy had been treated at Kimbe general hospital and was recovering while the deceased had already been buried.