Youth fights for life after being shot

By JUNIOR UKAHA
A YOUNG man is fighting for his life at the Pacific International Hospital after he was allegedly shot by police last Friday in Port Moresby’s Gerehu suburb.
Roger Nambi, 21, the son of former Aitape-Lumi MP Paul Mambei, was shot in the face by a group of policemen who were after a suspect who had been accompanying him.
Paul Mambei, a former police minister in the Chan-Haiveta government, claimed his son was among a group of youths who were returning to their homes at Gerehu Stage 2 after a binge at a neighbour’s house at around 6am when he was shot.
“They have done no wrong yet they were fired upon by the policemen,” he said.
“Three rapid shots were fired from an M16 assault rifle. One of the bullets hit my boy.”
Paul said the policemen were from one particular police station in the city and were there to drop off one of their colleagues who lived in the area.
It is understood that the officers have a long-standing feud with a youth in the group.
Nambi’s uncle, Augustine Saikou, said a bullet hit Roger on the upper part of the right eye and came out near the right ear.
He said Roger was in a critical condition in hospital.
NCD-Central commander Francis Tokura said he was not aware of the shooting.
Tokura has asked Mambei and Saikou to report to his office at 8am today to discuss the matter.
The victim’s father said the actions of the policemen were unprofessional.
The family wants the state to compensate Roger for the injuries he sustained.
They are seeking legal advice on the shooting.