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.
