Officers in 15yo’s assault to be suspended

The two police officers who assaulted a 15-year-old boy in Kimbe will be suspended from duties.

West New Britain provincial police commander, John Midi, stated this in a media statement released by the RPNGC today.

PPC Midi said the incident happened three weeks ago, but he was made aware of it after amateur footage of the actual beating surfaced on social media.

The officers who beat the teenager at Bali Bridge in Kimbe are attached with the Airborne Tactical Unit based in Port Moresby.

They were part of a team of police personnel sent to Kimbe to assist local police deal with escalating law and order issues.

PPC Midi said he identified the officers this morning after watching the video.  

Both will be suspended for assaulting a minor and the matter referred to the Internal Affairs Unit for a formal investigation.

The teenager had allegedly attempted to rob a young woman in Kimbe Town, but was caught by the ATU team on a routine patrol.

He was arrested and charged, but as per the Juvenile Justice Act, he was released to his parents.

He will appear in court this Friday.

Midi said medics also confirmed that the boy did not sustain any serious injuries from the beating.

Author: 
Salome Vincent