Soldiers detained after crash

PAPUA New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) Commander Maj-Gen Gilbert Toropo says two soldiers have been locked up in Western Highlands following a road accident this week.
He said the PNGDF military police were in Mt Hagen to interview them.
They were allegedly under the influence of alcohol when the vehicle they were travelling in ran into a street-light pole in Mt Hagen.
Responding to The National on the matter, Toropo said: “This is a serious concern within the force.
“We have issued directives to members of the force who indulge in alcohol while on operations, contrary to our code of conduct and resulting in accident causing damage to public assets.
“They will be dealt with by the civil court and the military court system, tried under the code of military discipline.
“The two members are locked in Mt Hagen, dealt with by the civil police, and PNGDF military police is on the ground interviewing them as well.”