by Vasinatta Yama – EM TV News, Port Moresby
A hand grenade was detonated at the residence of NCD Metropolitan Superintendent, Benjamin Turi, at Tasion Barracks in Port Moresby yesterday morning.
This kind of attack is the first on a senior police officer within the confines of a police barracks.
Forensic officers from the PNGDF, RPNGC and the Australian Federal Police arrived at the scene immediately after the explosion to investigate.
The hand grenade was placed on the footpath of Turi’s home. Those who placed the grenade intended for it to cause maximum damage.
Bomb experts from the PNG Defence Force said the grenade was done and placed by someone with knowledge of explosives.
They said the explosion could have resulted in many deaths, and massive destruction, if the hand grenade was new.
However, the one used in this attack was old and rusted.
Eyewitnesses say the explosion was loud and was heard as far away as Vision City at Waigani.
Police Commissioner, Gari Baki, said the attack may be related to the hard line stance police are taking to crack down on ill-disciplined officers.
He confirmed that many police officers were suspended recently and they are now off the payroll.
This is the second time of what appears to be a deliberate attempt on the life of a senior officer.
Commissioner Baki had also received threats when a bullet was sent to him.
Meanwhile, a task force team was formed today to investigate the attack, since the attack took place within the barracks.
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