Two policemen accused of assaulting a teenager in Kimbe, West New Britain Province, were today arrested and charged criminally, said Police Commissioner Gari Baki.
Baki said the two policemen (named) attached to the Police Airborne Tactical Unit (ATU) were presented by their commanding officer to the Police Internal Affairs Directorate where they were charged with assault occasioning bodily harm under the Criminal Code Act.
“They were also charged administratively with four serious disciplinary charges under the Police Force Act and suspended from active duties,” Commissioner Baki said.
The video of the assault of the teenager had gone viral on social media, causing public uproar.
“The Constabulary has no place for such violence and abuse. We are about protecting and serving the people, not inflicting such bodily hard on our citizens,” Commissioner Baki said.
He appealed to all members of the constabulary not to abuse their powers and authorities whilst performing their duties.
The members of the ATU were sent to West New Britain Province recently to deal with an upsurge in crime and also to quell a number of conflicts between various villages within the provincial township.