Lae’s Metropolitan Commander, Anthony Wagambie Jr says the two police officers who were involved in a hit and run on Saturday the 20th of July will be dealt with both criminally and administratively.
Mr. Wagambie stated that the officers were off-duty at the time, however, being members of the constabulary, they are bound by the discipline code on-and-off duty.
“I would like to, on behalf of my officers, senior non-commissioned officers (NCO’s), rank and file apologize for what transpired that day.”
Mr. Wagambie could not give details of the incident as he is awaiting a detailed report from the Internal Investigation Unit (IIU).
“This is an isolated incident which has tarnished the reputation of this command.”
On Saturday, a thirty-year-old woman was hit by the two off duty police officers.
According to the victim’s relatives, she was coming out of the gate after shopping at Food mart (Top Town) when a land cruiser driven by police officers, was driven onto the foot path.
The victim pushed her sister and baby out of the way when she saw the oncoming vehicle, and was hit, and run over. She was rushed to the Angau Memorial General Hospital. Relatives of the victim want eye witnesses to make statements, so that those responsible can be brought to justice.
Mr. Wagambie says police have visited the victim and the IIU will “thoroughly investigate and take necessary actions, both criminally and administratively.”
He is also calling on others who witnessed the incident to come forward.
“We have worked very hard to build the trust, confidence, and most importantly cooperation from the population we serve. We will not allow a few to spoil this for the rest… I give my assurance that this matter will not be swept under the carpet and forgotten.”
