Port Moresby North West MP Lohia Boe Samuel was arrested and charged for murder and locked up at the Boroko Police Station cells Thursday.
Commander NCD/Central Assistant Commissioner Anthony Wagambie Junior said the MP was invited to Boroko Police station, escorted to the NCD Homicide section and charged today under section 300 sub section (1) (b)(ii) of the PNG Criminal Code Act.
The firearm is owned and licensed to the Member of Parliament.
Wagambie said the investigators had to piece together information and evidence before effecting the arrest.
At the time of the incident, the MP was in the company of one of his staff and the deceased.
Commander Wagambie said while we understand the emotions and public outcry through different forms of media, the Constabulary has a Constitutional duty to perform and must remain focused throughout the investigation.
He stated that Police Investigators had to gather evidence and information to ensure that the right person is charged for discharging the firearm.
The Member for Moresby North West has been detained at Boroko Police Station cell and refused Police bail.
His staff member, is currently being interviewed.
Meanwhile, Police Commissioner David Manning has confirmed that Moresby Northwest MP Lohia Boe Samuel was in the restaurant when the father of seven, Robert Jerry, was shot dead on Friday.
“We have also established that the pistol that was used in the shooting belongs to Samuel,” he added.
Manning said: “We are also alleging that he (Samuel) and his associates are responsible for the incident (shooting).
“There is no cover up,” Manning said.
“We are ensuring the evidence that we uncover strengthens the charges we are alleging that took place at that time.
“I know people out there want us to act more swiftly, but we have a duty of care that the evidence we gather is watertight, regardless of how simple the offence can be investigated and arrest made.
“I have been regularly briefed daily since the incident occurred and I am aware of what the investigators are doing.”
He said police had established that a firearm was used and that someone was shot and killed.
“We have also established that the firearm belongs to the MP and he was there at the time the incident with his associates,” he reiterated.
Manning told The National that the firearm licence and permit had been, “cancelled and withdrawn”.
“Every case, whether it involved a Member of Parliament or an individual in the community, has always been investigated.
“There are no two sets of laws. There is only one for all, the Commissioner of Police, the prime minister and the deputy commissioner of police any minister and the public.
“As long as you live in Papua New Guinea, you are subject to one set of law.
“There is one law and that is the law that governs this country and allows us to use for our investigations,” he stressed.
SOURCE: PNG POLICE/THE NATIONAL/PACNEWS
