Cop arrested for illegal eviction
The Internal Affairs Division of Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary yesterday arrested a suspect, Senior Constable Tom Pali, a Reservist of Gordons Police Station, for carrying out the illegal eviction at Parea block Portion 5245 along Gereka just outside Port Moresby.
The arrest of the officer came about following a letter issued on the 11th of December 2024 by the Assistant Commissioner to Police and Divisional Commander, NCD/Central Benjamin Turi stating that his office did not authorize the eviction that happened.
The arresting officer, Detective Senior Constable Andrew Powi from IAD said the arrest was done based on evidence with the officer being locked up at Boroko cell yesterday with bail denied.
Meanwhile, the block holders of Farea portion 5245 consisting of 1686 hectares who were evicted by NCDC twice and are still unaware who was behind the eviction.
The block holder’s spokesperson Thomas Kumminis said they spent a total of K400,000 to purchase the blocks legally through the signing of a customary land purchase agreement with the Mohia Landowners executives
"We are not illegal land grabbers or sellers; we are the legitimate block holders. We purchased through formal agreement signing with the executives of Mohia ILG executives.
"We have purchased the land with amount ranging from K10,000 to K100,000."
"We want to know who is behind the eviction carried out by police," Mr. Kummisis said.
The ILG Chairman and Principal Landowner Chief Manga Kauka also clarified in a letter that Mohia ILG had disposed of 50 hectares of a 1686 customary land at Farea village to NCDC for housing estate.
"However, the element of fraud was involved without due diligence in obtaining a state lease title for 1,686 hectares without the consent of members of Mohia ILG executives.
"NCDC has gone to the length of obtaining ex-parte National Court Order to restrain Mohia Executives not to interfere with its illegal eviction," Mr. Kauka said.
Meanwhile, this eviction has affected over hundreds of people, both the legitimate block holders and settlers.
NBC News is now seeking comments from NCDC.