​Former Port Moresby Police Chief Andy Bawa arrested

FORMER Port Moresby police chief Superintendent Andy Bawa has been arrested and charged with abuse of office and stealing. Bawa was interviewed by Police yesterday and was formally arrested and charged with abuse of office and stealing.

Port Moresby and Center Police Commander Mr Sylvester Kalaut said this follows allegations relating to the use of funds earmarked for police duty allowances during the 2015 Pacific Games hosted by Port Moresby last year.

According to Assistance Commissioner for Crimes, Victor Isouve, the alleged amount involved was K87000.Mr Isouve said the money was allowances for police personnel involved in the Games which Mr Bawa had allegedly diverted from its intended purpose.

He said Mr Bawa was interviewed last week and appeared at Boroko police station yesterday with his lawyer to conclude the formalities by being charged. He was released on K1000 bail.

Mr Bawa had maintained his innocence from the outset, saying that he had been authorised to use the money for operations of the NCD Command.

"I did not use it on my own free will. No-one personally benefitted from this money. The whole Command of NCD benefited.

Meanwhile, PNG Power Executive Director John Mangos was arrrested by Police.