Two soldiers dismissed after trade store robbed

TWO soldiers have been dismissed from the PNG Defence Force for allegedly robbing a small trade store at remote Morehead Station in Western along the PNG-Indonesian border, chief of staff Captain Philip Polewara says.
The soldiers allegedly stole 10 cartons of beer worth K2160 and K300 cash from Powerjam Trading on Jan 14 during border operations in the South Fly district.
Polewara said yesterday that the soldiers were allegedly drunk, threatened the owner at gunpoint and robbed the store. They were based at Weam Station and travelled almost 70kms to Morehead Station to allegedly rob the store.
“We are now investigating another incident that occurred last month when soldiers, allegedly drunk, bashed up a teacher at Morehead Station after arguing over a vehicle. We will take action on the outcome of the investigations,” Polewara said.
Meanwhile, Polewara said they had charged three soldiers for allegedly bashing up two police officers in Vanimo, West Sepik, on March 5.
“However, these police officers have taken the matter to court so we are now awaiting the court’s decision,” Polewara said.
According to police reports, soldiers on border operations allegedly attacked two police officers and their families during a dawn raid at the Dali Police Barracks at about 3am.
They also allegedly caused about K20,000 worth of damages to the barracks.
“Opportunists then took advantage of the confrontation between the police and soldiers and looted two Chinese stores in Vanimo the next day.”