Aiye Tambua Photo: Facebook / PNG Breaking News
The MP representing Goroka in the Papua New Guinea national parliament, Aiye Tambua, has been charged with 26 sexual offences.
He has been remanded in custody after being arrested on 4 March.
Police Commissioner David Manning said they had received a complaint of persistent sexual abuse by the MP late last year.
He said a thorough investigation has since been carried out, with technical advice provided by the PNG-Australia Policing Partnership.
Manning said police had been trying for some weeks to interview Tambua in relation to the accusations but he had deployed a number of legal measures to avoid questioning.
"Today, Monday 4 March 2024, Mr Tambua attended at Police Headquarters in answer to a request for an interview. Mr Tambua was subsequently arrested and formally charged twenty-six (26) counts of criminal offending of a serious sexual nature."
"In accordance with las relating to serious sexual offending, bail has been refused by Police and Mr Tambua has been remanded in custody pending a Court appearance.
"The RPNGC takes a zero-tolerance approach to offences against vulnerable members of our community," Manning said.
Aiye Tambua formally charged with 26 Counts under Criminal Code Act, at PHQ, conveyed to Boroko and detained awaiting Bail. Photo: Supplied