A group of Correctional Service (CS) officers are currently in police custody in Port Moresby city following an incident that started at the Kerepia barracks at Bomana and ended up in Gerehu.
The National Capital District (NCD) Metropolitan Superintendent, Superintendent Warrick Simatab confirmed with PNG HAUSBUNG that the arrests were made, these officers detained and an official police investigation is now on.
He said no further information will be released at this time. But once the preliminary investigation is done, an official police statement will be provided to the public, detailing the case.
“From police, we will soon release an official statement, its either from the Commissioner’s office or my office,” said the Met. Supt.
He also clarified that the Acting CS Commissioner was not detained, putting down speculations that he was arrested as well with the other CS officers.
“There were certain officers where I gave instructions for their detainment at the Waigani police station. We are now going through the necessary investigation part of it. Soon as we confirm everything, I will share an official statement,” said Simatab.
Meanwhile, the incident at the Kerepia CS barracks last night that led to the CS officers detained, sprouted from an internal matter regarding the appointment of a new Acting CS Commissioner to replace the incumbent- Acting CS Commissioner Chief Inspector Bernard Nepo.
According to trusted sources within the corridors of the CS Administration, certain officers loyal to the incumbent allegedly issued some threats to those supporting the new incoming Acting Commissioner, Noel Serei, who was appointed by the National Executive Council (NEC) on Monday 8th June.
One thing led to another, and police were called in and the CS officers in the center of the commotion, were instructed to stand down; however, apparently none of them followed that order.
Instead, according to the source, they travelled to the Rainbow estate in marked CS vehicles to the residence of the incoming acting CS commissioner. It was there along the way that they met their fate; apprehended by police officers who were already informed of their movement.
It was alleged that the CS officers involved were also intoxicated and armed.
