By MIRIAM ZARRIGA
A FOURTH policeman was arrested and charged with the attempted murder of a senior constable’s son, Police Commissioner David Manning says.
“The policeman, a member of the Police Band at Moresby South’s Kila Barracks, was picked up today (yesterday),” he added.
And in the Waigani Committal Court yesterday, Magistrate Paul Nii ordered police prosecutor Sergeant Chris Iga to inform the three (Fox Unit) cops charged with the attempted murder of Samuel Naraboi, 21, on Feb 27 to attend court.
The trio had been released on K1,000 court bail each but have been suspended from duty. They failed to be present in court for mention yesterday.
Manning said: “Our investigations will continue until all the policemen involved in this atrocious assault on a defenceless youth are all arrested (and charged).”
The four cops allegedly bashed Samuel into a coma and he was placed on life-support in Port Moresby Hospital until he regained consciousness on March 9,
The fourth policeman, a constable, was arrested after he was identified as the other policeman in the vehicle when Samuel was picked up at the Games Village in Waigani at about 7am on Feb 27.
“The constable was questioned by Internal Investigation Unit (IIU) investigators. He initially denied involvement but upon further questioning, he admitted he was in the vehicle,” IIU director Chief Superintendent Emil Alpha said.
“The constable admitted that he was picked up by the first three (Fox Unit) policemen at 9-Mile where he was drinking.
“We will continue to work towards bringing those responsible to face charges for the assault that left a young man in a coma. While he has regained consciousness, the injuries he sustained will be with him.”
When asked about other charges, Alpha said: “We will conclude the investigation on Samuel’s case first.
Then we will look at the assault on the second victim, Samuel’s young friend who also sustained injuries from the assault.
“The assault on Samuel’s friend is also being investigated.”
Police Minister William Onglo, who is being updated on the case, said: “While I am disappointed at the actions taken by the policemen, the latest arrest shows the police force have had enough of those who wear the uniform to carry out acts of violence.“It is time to stop and we are continuing to strengthen laws governing the police force,” he added.
In court, Nii asked Iga whether Emmanuel Somon, 30, Philimon Parom, 28 and Ade Kawa, 29, were aware that they needed to appear in court for mention of their case.
Iga told the court that he did not think the trio were aware of their appearance but he would inform them to attend court on the adjourned date.
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