AITAPE POLICE CALLS FOR CITIZENS TO RESPECT ONE ANOTHER

By Alice OSI, Aitape

CITIZENs of Aitape-Lumi District have the right to move around freely without fear during the festive season.

Police Station Commander, Senior Sergeant, Rodney Malken made this appeal during the Children’s Day celebrations last week Friday in Aitape town.

Senior Surgeant Malken said everyone has the right move freely and enjoy themselves but one has to respect another so that there can be peace in the society.

He gave the example of Sorcery related issues where individuals are attacked and killed without prove. These instances reflect the lack of respect people have when taking the law into their own hands and not allowing the suspect’s rights to justice.

Sergeant Malken said ” Youths often abuse their rights and not uphold and respect others. Violence against parents and children often go unreported to police.”

“Only 10 per cent of the cases are reported and 90 percent is not reported to police and is sometimes settled out of court in customary way,” he expressed.

He also explained to the people present that 90 percent of CIS inmates in Vanimo holding cell are from Aitape-Lumi District alone and therefore, the Department of Correctional Services is planning on building a rural lock up for Aitape Lumi District itself.

“If we respect ourselves, our little town would be much developed because people bringing services into our District will not fear violence,” Malken added.

Caption: Senior Sergeant Rodney Malken speaking to the people last week in Aitape town.