A division among investigating officers looking into the sexual abuse allegations against the Member for Goroka, Aiye Carter Tambua has forced the Court to temporary withdraw the matter.
The matter was before the Committal Court at Waigani, National Capital District.
Appearing before the Court today, lawyer representing the defendant, Edward Sasingian asked the court to withdraw the matter because of this police blunder.
According to Presiding Magistrate, Paul Puri Nii one of the investigating officers, First Constable Adriana Kamasunga has filed an affidavit claiming that the evidence collected and presented to the court came from some unknown police officers.
She also expressed disappointment that the police Hand Up Brief was prepared and produced by police officers who do not work at the Sexual Offenses Squad.
The officer said she collected evidence including traveling to Goroka with the case officer, Superintendent Charles Winuan and others and she was also part of the arresting team and was present during the record of interview and arrest.
The police officer said they have been under so much pressure dealing with the case and therefore she wanted to see the file completed properly.
Superintendent Winuan explained to the court yesterday that following the complaints, he was tasked by former NCD Central Commander, Anthony Wagambie Jr, to form an investigation team to investigate the matter as it concerned a politician.
He said because of the status of Tambua they had to ensure a thorough investigation process.
He confirmed that Kamasunga was part of the team including another female officer from homicide and a male police officer.
He also told court that Kamasunga is on maternity leave when she filed the affidavit, hence not on active duty.
Winuan mentioned that as Officer in Charge of this investigation, he wasn’t made aware of Kamasunga’s grievances.
Magistrate Nii expressed disappointment saying, a police officer is disputing police evidence and thus this is unhealthy for the police case.
“Police now appear to be divided. I will not accept and assess evidence with questionable nature and evidence collected from policeman and woman with divided interests”.
Among the orders issued by the court include;
- The allegations against the defendant are temporarily withdrawn and referred back to the office of the police commissioner to properly deal with it.
- Commissioner of police is requested to seriously address issues affecting the administrative criminal investigative process and deal with officers down the file and rank
- The Police Commissioner is requested to appoint a neutral criminal investigator within the Sexual Offenses Squad to prepare a proper file and investigate on the allegations based on its merit and charge by charge
- Matter against the Defendant will be reinvestigated whenever the Commissioner of police is ready to progress the allegations.
- The Commissioner of police is at liberty to reopen the case and repeat the entire criminal investigative process against the Defendant whenever he sees fit and appropriate.
Bail was also refunded.
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