Investigation after alleged rape of detained woman in PNG
A group of New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel, with two Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) NH90 helicopters, arrived in Honiara on November 14. Military police personnel from Fiji and Papua New Guinea are also present to assist the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force in maintaining security.
Photo:
RNZ Pacific / Koroi Hawkins
Investigation is underway within Papua New Guinea police to determine how a former policeman who served time for rape was allowed to rejoin the police force, only to then allegedly commit another rape at a police station.
The officer was convicted in 2012 and served 14 years.
From initial indications, he may not have been formally dismissed from the force when he was convicted.
He and two other officers are now in custody for the alleged rape of a woman who was detained.
This incident has raised significant concerns about the the constabulary's recruitment and vetting processes, especially given previous calls for greater accountability and professionalism within the force.
Police Commissioner David Manning has indicated that the focus is now on ensuring the individual is returned to prison.
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The third report has stated New Zealand's "lucrative market" and established crime networks have made the country "more susceptible than ever" to corruption and insider threats. It also pointed to the "deteriorating situation in the Pacific" as making the region more vulnerable. It defined corruption as the "abuse of access or authority to advance the objectices of organised crime". "It is a critical enabler of organised crime, particularly at national borders. It grants criminal networks access to protection, sensitive information, and operational impunity. "This is a real and increasing threat," the report said. The group was told by enforcement agencies about "trusted insiders" at ports and airports helping to retrieve concealed shipments of illicit drugs before customs inspections. "That information is consistent with an unpublished global report which estimates that 70 percent of maritime seizures worldwide involved links to trusted insiders." It raised a specific concern in the Pacific where exposure is increased due to expansive maritime borders, strategic trade corridors and growing cross-border flows of goods and people. "When individuals in border security, customs, or immigration are compromised, criminal groups can exploit these weak points to smuggle drugs, weapons, other illicit goods, and people with minimal detection. "Bribery, coercion, and cronyism can transform ports, airports, and checkpoints into open channels." If corruption was left unchecked, the report warned it could erode the integrity of New Zealand's institutions and undermine its collective security. "We are already seeing increasing pressure on Pacific nations which have limited capacity to detect, investigate and prosecute organised crime threats. "The financial incentives offered by organised crime groups can be tempting - especially for those working in jobs with useful access, but low pay, in New Zealand and within the Pacific." 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