The police hirerachy has released names of the Close Protection Officers who were with the late Deputy Prime Minister, Sam Basil at the time of the accident that claimed his life.
Police Commissioner, David Manning in a statement released last night confirmed that First Constable Neil Maino died 30 minutes after the accident while Sargeant Fredy Setu survived but sustained injuries.
“This is a tragic road accident, police investigations are now underway to establish what happened,” Manning said.
The three men with another officer were traveling to Bulolo in preparation for Nomination on Thursday 12th May 2022, when they collided with an on coming vehicle, an open-back Toyota Land Cruiser.
Police say the Deputy Prime Minister was in the driver’s seat, First Constable Maino sat directly behind the DPM while Sargeant Setu sat on the offside seat.
Police believe the vehicle that collided with the Deputy Prime Minister’s car hit them on the right hand side of the car, badly injuring the DPM and his CPO, Maino.
Sargeant Setu only suffered minor injures and was discharged yesterday afternoon from Angau Memorial Hospital in Lae.
Maino is from a mixed parentage of Northern and Mekeo in Central Province. He joined the Police Force in 2009 and was attached with the National Security Unit of the Special Services Division.
Commissioner Manning has also extended his condolences to the late CPO’s family.
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