Top cop: We stand by our decision

THE police hierarchy stands by its decision to promote New Ireland police commander Supt Gideon Ikumu to NCD Metropolitan Commander after several allegations surfaced once the transfers were announced late last year.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) operations Donald Yamasombi told The National in response to questions raised on the allegations that “a person is innocent until proven guilty by a competent court of law”.
He said that while they were aware of the allegations and the fact Supt Ikumu was charged, the legal system allowed for someone to be deemed innocent until proven guilty.
“Yes, we know he has been charged, however, as per our legal system in the country, a person is innocent until proven guilty by the competent court of law,” he said.
“In the meantime, he is not guilty of the alleged offence.
“That is why the police commissioner made that transfer order.” Supt Ikumu was driving a marked police vehicle on the Buluminski Highway when he allegedly hit a youth at Maiyom village in Kavieng a few kilometres from Kavieng town.
At the time, Supt Ikumu told The National that he was driving at the normal speed when he saw a student walking onto the road, he allegedly had an earpiece in his ear and was holding a phone.
Supt Ikumu said he sounded the horn several times and swerved to avoid the boy, however, it all happened quickly and it was too late. He said the matter was before court.
He said he would be returning to New Ireland to face court in March.
In relation to other allegations raised against him, Supt Ikumu said the alleged assaults on two individuals in New Ireland were not assaults but incidents of officers not adhering to commands.
When asked about another alleged assault on a welfare officer, Supt Ikumu denied any knowledge of the allegation.