Public hand over theft suspect to police

By ZACHERY PER
A 23-YEAR-OLD man was apprehended by the public in Goroka yesterday for allegedly stealing an elderly man’s bank card while pretending to help him.
The accused from Muli village in Ialibu-Pangia, Southern Highlands, switched ATM cards with the man after helping him access funds at an automated telling machine (ATM) when he was caught.
A security guard said he was about to assist the old man use the ATM when the suspect offered to help. He later switched the cards.
The suspect attempted to leave the area but was caught by the public who had been alerted.
He was taken to the Goroka Police Station where he was interviewed and locked up.
Eastern Highlands police commander Supt David Seine Jnr warned the public to be wary of opportunists and protect their belongings when in public places.
He said the incident would be investigated and the suspect would be charged and dealt with under section 372 (1) chapter 262 of the PNG Criminal Code.
At the same ATM last December, a 36-year-old man from Kamaliki village, Goroka, allegedly took a bank card belonging to a couple at the University of Goroka and used over K43,000 over a six-day period.
He was arrested and charged.