Four police officers from the National Capital District (NCD) and Central commands were served with their administrative charges by the Internal Investigation Unit police officers just recently.
The Acting Commander of NCD/Central, Assistant Commissioner (ACP) of Police Peter Guinness confirmed that three officers were attached to the NCD command while the other one was attached to Central province command.
He said two of the police officers who were arrested and charged, were involved in the death of another police officer, late Constable Vianey Yembinaro on June 15th. The two policemen were arrested and charged with wilful murder and are detained in the police cell awaiting their court dates. He said that apart from being criminally charged they were also served with three administrative charges.
ACP Guinness further added that the other police officer attached to the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) was also arrested and charged under the Firearms Act for misplacing a police-issued firearm that was in his possession. He said the police officer was also served with two administrative charges.
“The fourth policeman was served with four administrative charges for unlawfully discharging firearms after the victims agreed to sort the matter out of the court. Therefore, the policeman was served with the administrative charges, and he was given fourteen days to respond to his charges”, ACP Guinness said.
While praising the NCD Internal Investigation Unit for their efforts in handling the four police officers, ACP Guinness stated the Unit will keep up its work to ensure that police officers in the various commands do not cross any lines while carrying out their assigned responsibilities.
“We are police officers, and we must act and do things as police officers while on or off duty. When we consume alcohol or have arms or vehicles in our possession, we must always think and act as police officers. We are peacemakers and not trouble or lawbreakers. Our actions will affect our children and families if we are dismissed from the force,” ACP Guinness said.
He indicated that certain police officers are acting improperly; these actions are being observed and would be addressed appropriately.
Meanwhile, ACP Guinness added that several police officers had previously received notices of dismissal in addition to being presented with criminal and administrative proceedings.