Report theft, assault to investigators, police tell newspaper executive

 A senior police officer is calling on a newspaper executive who claimed he was assaulted and detained unlawfully last Thursday in Port Moresby to report the incident to the police internal investigation division for investigation.

Gordon Police Station commander Mark Mosinakave suggested The National’s circulation manager, Berry Bill, who alleged he was assaulted by police to report the matter to the police internal affairs division.

Mosinakave said according to the statements he received from officers, Bill was driving under the influence of alcohol and without a driving licence

“While locked up in the cell, he allegedly tried to bribe officers to release him,” Mokinsave said. “It was normal police protocol to detain drunkards until they are sober so that they can get statements from them.

“Bill was brought in by a unit from Gerehu who suspected him of drinking and driving.”

Police denied assaulting him or stealing his mobile phone and K400, as claimed by Bill.

“He was lucky officers on duty during the incident changed shifts and there was confusion and he was released, otherwise he would have been charged,” he said

Bill alleged he was pulled over by police at Unagi Oval at about 8pm when driving home and detained without charges for 15 hours before being released. 

His mobile phone and K400 was taken from his company vehicle. Lucas Kibo, who accompanied him, said  police stopped them for no clear reason, searched the vehicle and assaulted Bill.