Police reservist to appear before IAD for on-record interview

Police Officer Tom Pali, 49 of Southern Highlands who was arrested for carrying out illegal eviction on the Parea Block, Portion 5245 outside Port Moresby, will appear before the Internal Affairs Division [IAD] of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary on the 13th of March for a record interview.

The IAD arrested Tom Pali on Thursday, the 27th of February, and charged him with Malicious Injuries, [willful and unlawful damage], official corruption, and abuse of office.

According to the arresting officer, Detective Senior Constable, Andrew Powi of IAD, Constable Pali is a Reserve Senior Constable.

"Previously attached at Gordon's Police Station but currently attached to National Capital District Commission [NCDC] Enforcement Unit," Constable Powi said.

At the time of arrest, he was detained at Boroko cell and released on police bail of K2,000.

The arrest was made when the IAD had enough evidence aligning with Assistant Commissioner to Police, Commander NCD/Central, Benjamin Turi's letter stating that this eviction was not authorized by his office.

The evidences include the documents presented by 16 block holders on the customary land purchase agreement with Mohia Incorporated Group [ILG] Executives, which they believe made them become legitimate owners.

Also, the statement from the principal landowner and ILG Chairman, Manga Kauka, clarified that their agreement with the NCDC is only for the 50 hectares of the total 1686, and the eviction carried out was illegal.

In the meantime, IAD believes the prosecution will start once the interviews are done.

The alleged Constable Tom Pali remains innocent until proven guilty in court.

At the time of this report, NBC News is still awaiting comments from NCDC.