Tei: Do not bribe officers

 By PETER ESOP WARI

ASSISTANT Police Commissioner Teddy Tei has warned police officers in the Highlands region to reject all forms of bribery.

He also warned the people not to offer bribes to officers because it was a factor that was adding to an increase in law and order problems.

Tei told the people on Monday at the Poroma station, Nipa-Kutubu district, Southern Highlands, that bribery would make police officers lazy.

He cited an incident early last month where 170 cartons of beer were confiscated by Poroma police. 

Owners of the beer tried to bribe police officers who refused.

“When you bribe police, you are making them lazy and there is no trust,” he said.

“Do not give them women too.”

He was disappointed to see a bush knife mark on one of the old police vehicles during the recent local level government elections. 

“Bush knives were made to be used in the bush and not to show your strength and damage government properties,” Tei said.

“There are reported cases of hold-ups along a section of the Highlands Highway.

“We will soon provide a response unit to patrol the area.”

He urged the people to work with police to fight law and order issues.

Southern Highlands Governor William Powi, who donated two vehicles, said he wanted to equip police in all districts.

Powi said he received calls from the people of Sembirigi in the Kagua-Erave district concerning law and order issues and wanted police presence in the area.

“Kagua, which is a lawless area and known for tribal fights, will soon have 20 policemen next year,” he said.