Police Commissioner David Manning has issued directives to Deputy Commissioner Operations, Anton Billie to investigate claims that a business man of foreign nationality based in Banz, Jiwaka Province appeared in Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary Uniform when attending to customers in his public store.
This follows a video of the man in police uniform been circulated on social media raising questions by the general public, prompting police to investigate.
It was reported by Deputy Commissioner Operations, Anton Billie that the man had no legitimate reason to be in police uniform at the time he was sighted in public.
Police Commissioner David Manning said, “The man has been identified and had the right to have his explanations heard, however he could offer no plausible reason for him purporting to be executing official police duties when he had no authority to do so.”
“Based on the evident before me, this person will now be charged with a series of disciplinary and criminal offences likely under the Police Act and the Criminal Code,” said Commissioner David Manning.
The man’s purported appointment in the Reserved Constabulary will be subjected to further investigations and criminal charges filed.
Meanwhile, in a similar incident five impersonators with a murder suspect and the son of a Member of Parliament were arrested by 7 mile’s Airport Police at the Jacksons Airport last week. They were detained at the Waigani Police Station. The Police Commissioner said the incident should serve as a warning to members of the Reserve Constabulary that they are bound by a code of conduct and disciplinary measures, and these are being enforced.
