by Jack Lapauve Jnr – EM TV, Port Moresby
Commissioner of Police Geoffrey Vaki wants an immediate investigation into a hit-and-run incident at Hohola in the National Capital District which claimed the life of an elderly woman.
“This is an unfortunate and sad incident. It is totally uncalled for and must be immediately investigated with a view to holding those involved accountable, whether directly or indirectly, in the death of the elderly woman,” Commissioner Vaki said from Auckland, New Zealand, where he is attending the 43rd Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police Conference.
Commissioner Vaki was alerted to a photograph of a child weeping over the mangled lifeless body of the old woman.
Earlier reports said that the old woman, a street vendor, was fleeing from policemen when she ran onto the main road and was struck by an oncoming vehicle.
However, an eye witness and veteran journalist from The National, Malum Nalu, said the old woman was fleeing from buai rangers when she was struck down by an oncoming vehicle.
Commissioner Vaki said regardless of who was involved, he will be informing Acting Police Commissioner Awan Sete to immediately and thoroughly investigate the incident and take appropriate action where necessary.
