ROYAL PAPUA NEW GUINEA CONSTABULARY

MEDIA RELEASE

Tuesday December 21, 2010

The abusive policeman featured on the front-page of the Post-Courier will be suspended from duty as of tomorrow (Wednesday December 22) and a full investigation is being mounted into the alleged string of violence and abuse inflicted upon his wife.

Acting Commissioner of Police Anthony Wagambie is upset about the alleged actions of the policeman and has called for an immediate investigation into the matter. Mr Wagambie said appropriate administrative, disciplinary or criminally action will be taken upon completion of the investigation.

“Quite frankly, I am disgusted, ashamed and angry. Let me make it very clear that the Police Service has no place for such "animalistic behaviours". Our duty is to protect life and property, not abuse our citizens, including our women whom we have sworn an oath to protect and serve,” Mr Wagambie said.

Commissioner Wagambie said that the victim, Joy Wartovo, contacted Police Internal Affairs Directorate last Wednesday and reported the abuse by her husband, Constable Simon Bernard of Southern Mobile Squad Three based at McGregor Police Barracks in Port Moresby. A file was created and the Internal Affairs is preparing appropriate disciplinary charges. In the meantime Constable Bernard is being suspended from duty as of tomorrow. Future actions to be taken accordingly following the investigation.

“Let me make it very clear to the public as well as members of the Constabulary that my administration will not hide or protect persons who show no respect for life and property. My administration is all about discipline and maintaining command and control.

“I told my senior officer in Lae recently during the Commissioner’s Conference that ‘Yu biket bai yu kisim kanda na go’ and I will strongly and vigorously enforce that. There is no place in this Constabulary for uncaring, abusive and un-disciplined policeman or woman. Commanders who suppress such issues and protect perpetrators of such abuses will also be dealt with.

“My administration has zero tolerance level for abusive and undisciplined policemen and women and we will take the strongest possible actions to serve as deterrence,” Mr Wagambie said.

Mr Wagambie also took the opportunity to denounce violence against women (and children) in general.

“I know this is happening in a lot of homes, and not just in the police barracks. I want to personally encourage women everywhere to come out and lay complaints if you are continuously being victimised in your relationship. I also want to encourage friends and relatives of women to support them when they take this action and not discourage them. This is no longer a family or domestic issue, it is a criminal matter and will be dealt with by the police wherever you are,” Mr Wagambie said.

Mr Wagambie acknowledged that most women do not come forward to the authorities because in many instances the abuser is also the sole provider. He said a whole of government approach is required to address this issue and provide an environment where women can report such abuses without the fear of being thrown out on the streets.