PPC queries police break-in

 By ZACHERY PER

POLICE in Chimbu are questioning why a team of officers from Port Moresby allegedly broke into the Chuave district treasury building and attacked an official.

Provincial Police Commander Superintendent Albert Beli said the district treasurer was allegedly attacked when the officers entered the treasury building to look for documents.

“District treasurer Michael Aglua was seriously injured. His official vehicle and another vehicle owned by Chuave MP Wera Mori were taken by the members of the police team and driven to Lae,” Beli said.

He said normal police procedures required that any orders for such action should have come from the Assistant Commissioner Police Highlands who would then instruct the provincial command of the engagement of police investigators.

“If due protocols were followed, I should have been aware of their presence in the province and assisted them with vehicles, firearms, and manpower. 

“As PPC of Simbu, I did not know of their presence in the province.” He did not know how the Port Moresby officers got reinforcements from the Mt Hagen mobile squad. 

“I am still confused (over this),” Beli said.

He said the officers broke down the door which was locked, prompting locals to puncture the tyres of their hired vehicle.

They remained in the district office until a police rescue team from Mt Hagen arrived.

“With a reinforced unit, the men returned the next day (Saturday) and met Aglua and a carpenter fixing the door.”