Eight police personnel and their family members at Minj Police Station in Jiwaka Province, fear that if they continue to live there, their lives will be under threat. The eight of them, who are from coastal provinces, felt that they are not receiving the support they need from their superiors.
Their decision to leave the province resulted from a murder incident of a youth from East Sepik Province, who was killed a few weeks ago in the Minj area. Police say the accused are two police men from Minj Police Station, and a local, who is related to some of the senior police officers at Minj Police Station.
This has made it difficult for investigators and police prosecutors to carry out their duty and investigate the matter. The eight police officers requested the Highlands Eastern End Divisional Commander to immediately transfer them out of the province.
Some of them have worked there for more than 9 years. They say they have received threats from the relatives of the accused, but when the matter was reported, senior officers turned a blind eye to it.
Acting ACP Chief Inspector, Tim Korada, met with the locals yesterday and urged the leaders to help police address law and order.
The newly-appointed Provincial Police Commander, Gedion Kauke, warned the locals to hand in those who issued verbal threats to his police personnel to be locked up without bail. PPC Kauke warned the locals that under his command, police will come down tough on those who are trying to be heroes in the small Minj town.
Minj town Lord Mayor, Simon Yuants, urged that there be a liquor ban in the province, which has been blamed for causing a lot of problems in communities. PPC Kauke also warned the people of Jiwaka Province that a letter to cease the sale of liquor for an indefinite period is already at the Provincial Government’s office to be effected soon.
By Vasinatta Yama – EMTV News, Mt Hagen
