Senior officer charged in Enga

A DRUNKEN senior Correctional Service officer, who allegedly shot one of his relatives with a Government-issued pistol, was arrested and charged with attempted murder by Wabag police on Christmas night.
Enga provincial police commander Supt Michael Chare said Sgt Joseph Pandan, who is the acting commander of Mukurumanda jail in Wapenamanda district, allegedly shot his relative on the knee at close range at around 7pm in Wabag town during an argument.
Supt Chare said Sgt Pandan was trying to get away in a vehicle after the shooting when police responded quickly and arrested him and confiscated his weapon, a six-round revolver.
The injured person was taken to the Wabag General Hospital for treatment.
He said Sgt Pandan and his relative were drinking together when an argument started, resulting in the shooting.
Supt Chare said Sgt Pandan was arrested and charged with attempted murder.
He is now locked up in Wabag police station.
Sgt Pandan has been refused bail and will appear before the Wabag District Court for mention in the New Year.
Supt Chare said apart from this incident, Enga province was generally quiet for the first time during Christmas.
He said the people had a peaceful and trouble-free Christmas celebration.
Supt Chare attributed this to massive police awareness carried out in the province last Wednesday and was expecting the New Year’s celebration to be same.