Relatives hand over suspects who allegedly wounded officers

By ELIAS LARI
TWO men allegedly involved in the shooting of two police officers at Porgera in Enga early this month were handed over to police by their relatives on Saturday.
The two, from the Tagali local level government of Hela, allegedly shot Senior Constable Semi Tinga and First Constable Andrew Wapious who were sitting at the back of a police vehicle.
Both officers are undergoing treatment in a Port Moresby hospital.
Last Saturday, Hela leaders led by Lambari Akui and Miape Kui handed over the two men.
Akui said the two had come to Porgera to seek revenge on their enemies but were confronted by police at Suyan.
“We have no enemies with police or the public at Porgera. That is why we are handing over the two suspects so they can face the law,” Akui said.
Porgera police operation officer Chief Inspector Luvi Florian said the suspects had opened fire at police while they were on patrol.
Florian said the special police operation in Porgera was to restore peace and order and not to create enemies. “We are here to protect you and fix the serious law and order problem affecting the people. If police want to look for the suspects, then this can affect lives and properties,” Florian said.