Family demands explanation from police

The family of the young man who was allegedly shot by police during the commotion outside the Boroko Police Station on Sunday morning, are demanding answers from police over his death.

The 17-year-old from Eastern Highlands Province was among curious onlookers who turned up at Boroko, seeking answers to rumours of abduction and kidnapping in the city, when he met his fate.

His sister, who was with him at Boroko, said he was rushed to the Port Moresby General Hospital 20-30 minutes after he was shot.

A source from the hospital who attended to the deceased reliably told this newsroom that the bullet entered the back of his skull and was lodged above his ear.

His body remains with his family at the Kipo settlement in East Boroko, where they requested NCD Police Homicide to go and explain to relatives and the community, why a gun was used to fire directly at the crowd to disperse it, and not tear gas or rubber bullets.

The late Junior Martin was a Grade 10 student at Juha College. He was simply at the wrong place at the wrong time. His mother said he was not someone who roamed the streets.

Kipo Community Chairman Kuta Warewa said the deceased was shot in front of the Boroko police station and they were concerned about the means used to disperse the crowd of curious onlookers.

His father, Martin Kenny, wants police to explain their actions because an innocent life has been lost.

Moresby South District Manager Aisop Mol, who visited the mourning relatives on behalf of MP Justin Tkatchenko, called on police to come out and clarify rumours of kidnapping and abduction that are going on in the city as it is creating fear among residents.

Author: 
Sally Pokiton