There is a growing trend in Port Moresby where well organised crimes are committed by people in trust, like security officers and members of the disciplinary forces, says a judge of the National Court.
A man who was the commander of a security firm in Port Moresby, who abused that trust, was sentenced to 4 years in jail yesterday for his involvement in a break-and-enter and stealing incident in 2016.
Chris Wasa pleaded guilty on April 26 to his involvement in a break-and-enter incident at the China Harbor Engineering company office at Waigani, on 26 May 2016.
K30,000 cash was taken from the company’s safe after the guards completed their night drop off.
Wasa assisted in committing the crime and was paid some money for his troubles. That money was recovered by police upon his arrest.
He apologised to the court for his actions, and asked for mercy so he can go back and complete his education.
He returned yesterday for his sentence.
Presiding judge, Justice George Manuhu, said Wasa was in a position to say no and stop others but kept quiet.
“It is scary to all of us to think that security guards and even members of the disciplinary force are getting involved in these type of offences.
“Even company vehicles are being used to commit the offences and security firm’s reputation is being tarnished. When trust is gone, how do we expect investment in the country?”
The court sentenced Wasa to 4 years in jail with hard labour.