Wewak police too weak: Simatab

PETTY crimes such as bag snatching, drunk and conduct and other summary offences have been a cause of concern for the public in Wewak because police were not effective in doing their job, Wewak MP Jim Simatab said.
Speaking on the eve of Christmas during a parade in which he handed over two vehicles to police, Mr Simatab said youths had capitalised on lack of logistical support for police to commit crimes.
He urged police to hit them hard, even shoot them, because they posed a great risk to the public, business community and mothers who continuously lose their hard earned cash to thieves in town.
He said policemen and women throughout the country were the highly paid people but their work output was very poor due to shortage of manpower and logistics.
“The presentation of the vehicles indicated that the Wewak district administration would like to work in partnership with police.
“I will also assist if you need allowances for special operations in the districts and even if you need guns and ammunition to kill the hooligans in town.
“I will not hesitate to buy them for you,” Mr Simatab said.
He said police had a responsibility to ensure that the safety of the people was guaranteed and he hoped the two vehicles would improve the way they worked.
He expressed
confidence in the leadership of acting provincial police commander Insp Charles Parinjo, whom he said could change Wewak in the new year.