Group of PNG police officers arrested on 195 charges

1:35 pm on 8 January 2020

Thirteen police officers in Papua New Guinea have been arrested and charged with 195 charges related to an October attack on a village in East Sepik province.

A police landcruiser patrols the streets of the Papua New Guinea capital Port Moresby.

Photo: RNZ Pacific/ Koroi Hawkins

The Post Courier newspaper reports another five officers are on the run.

The charges include abuse of office, armed robbery and arson.

Chief Superintendent Robert Ali said the attack by the officers stemmed from an earlier assault of a constable, which was understood to be in retaliation for the policeman kicking a local villager.

The 13 officers have appeared at the Wewak District Court and their cases have been adjourned for two weeks.