Gerehu Police Station Commander Hanson Tokally confirmed that two police officers involved for the attack on a Gerehu Hospital senior doctor have been arrested with two other officers yet to be arrested.
He said, the Police Commissioner has been told and is fully aware of this incident. Deputy ACP NCD/Central, Met.Supt – NCD, Supt CID, Commander Zone 2, PCC Gerehu and Internal Investigations Unit (IIU) NCD were physically present at the crime scene in front of the Gerehu Hospital.
“The full details and identities of those policemen involved are known. Their full names as we as the incident reports have already been submitted to the Police at IIU office for further investigation.”
“A known policeman, named with his Registration number named was a driver of a private white Toyota ten-seater, bearing the Registration number named at the time of the incident.”
This policeman involved was officially transferred to Waigani Police Station from Gerehu after he was criminally arrested and charged for committing another offence 2 years ago.
“Now, he is being arrested for being involved in this incident and is in Police custody with the other unattached policeman named.”
“It is highly likely that others involved will also be arrested immediately and they will be terminated from the Police Force as per Commissioner’s directive.”
He said, other policemen involved are reservists, named.
A medical doctor (victim) is also known.
His statement as well as other evidence such as medical reports and witness statements will be taken by IIU police before making formal arrest and charge as usual.
“A civilian man (currently unidentified) was seriously attacked somewhere in Port Moresby and transported by those policemen to Gerehu Hospital for medical treatment.”
“The doctor (now victim) was the only medical officer on duty around 2:00AM on Friday 6th September, 2024. Little argument erupted when those policemen expected immediate medical treatment while the doctor excused himself and refused to help the patient (civilian) with medical treatment because he was drunk.”
“Confrontation occurred between the security guards on night shift duty as they saw this and intervened.”
“They confronted the policemen after the doctor was being seriously punched by another police officer.”
“The security guards fought against the policemen involved and the fight broke into the hospital where other sick patients were being admitted. “
“After the doctor was being repeatedly kicked with safety boots and punched with folded fists, he sustained serious injuries to his head and face.”
The police men escaped thereafter. IIU police were called in with the police bosses, who arrived later.
The hospital has been closed pending police investigation since morning but it’s open for normal business now, after being professionally addressed in the presence of the Police bosses, including the Commissioner, PSC Gerehu and the Hospital Management team.
“Some policemen doing night shift at Gerehu went to stop the fight but they were late and also attacked by those policemen, who were said to be drunk and under the influence of liquor. Not all policemen were involved.”
“We are very sorry for this sad incident as we humbly convey our heartfelt sympathy to the innocent doctor, who is fighting for his life.”
“May God give you peace and wish you a fast recovery as you are fighting for your life,” said PSC Tokally.
“Finally, we hope immediate relief and justice to be served on the victim accordingly.”