by Michelle Amba – EM TV, Port Moresby
Police investigations into the death of two Hanuabada men might drag on, says Acting Police Commissioner, Jim Andrews.
This is because witnesses have not come forward to assist police in this investigation.
He said it is frustrating when there are no witnesses willing to give statements.
Andrews brushed aside claims of police cover-up in this investigation.
In an interview with EM TV News, Andrews said after almost a month, police have still not completed investigations into the Hanuabada shootings, which resulted in the death two young Motuans.
These two were alleged to have been shot and killed by police.
Andrews said his expectation of the completion of the investigation has not been met, blaming it on lack of witnesses.
He is calling on leaders to bring in the witnesses for the smooth flow of investigations and those responsible charged both administratively and criminally.
Andrews said police have supplied a list of witnesses to the Hanuabada leaders, however to date police have not received any statements as yet.
Meanwhile, Andrews said contrary to what many critics are saying, the force has taken action against policemen taking law into their own hands.
As a measure to stop further killings, the forces’ hierarchy has issued directives for all high powered weapons to be removed and locked away.
There is also a directive in place for members of the force to receive proper training on the use of firearms.
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