Late First Constable Neil Maino

The collision also claimed the life of the late DPM’s Close Protection Officer, First Constable Neil Maino.

Following a brief from the Divisional Commander Northern Assistant Commissioner Peter Guinness, Commissioner Manning said, “A Police investigation commenced immediately following the incident and on documenting the accident scene and interviewing the two survivors of the accident, police investigators were satisfied with the evidence on hand to lay charges on the driver of the other vehicle.

The Prime Minister has instructed Police to give a full account of the last steps of the Deputy Prime Minister, the journey the oncoming driver took, and every circumstance behind what happened in the lead-up to his passing.

“A report is expected for us to bring to full conclusion the passing of our nation’s Deputy Prime Minister,” said Prime Minister Marape.

The P.M said the loss of Basil to the nation was one that words cannot express.

He added that the nation is coming to grips with the passing, for the first time, of a serving deputy prime minister.