Vanuatu police attempt mutiny

20/08/2008 20:00:02

Vanuatu police say a number of senior officers have been involved in a plot to oust the force's top two commanders.

They are said to have attempted to replace the police commissioner, Patu Lui and his deputy Arthur Caulton, for having their water and electricity bills paid for by the government.

But Mr Caulton told Radio Australia's Pacific Beat program that he pays his own bills.

"There were allegations that one of the police force institutions was paying for our electricity bills and water bills, which for me is not correct," he said.

"We believe that some elements of the force may have taken advantage of this to request the authorities concerned to probably remove him from his position."

He says the Police Services Commission has now agreed that any contentious payments may be recovered from the Commissioner's salary.

Mr Caulton believes the police commissioner will likely be pursuing a charge of mutiny against the officers involved.

"I think that is the intention of the police commissioner," he said.

"He has indicated that he will probably look at appointing officers to investigate this matter but that will be left to him."

You can find the full story at the Pacific Beat website: http://radioaustralia.net.au/pacbeat

Produced by Radio Australia and Australia Network