A Papua New Guinea MP has withdrawn claims that police were investigating the rape of a Manus Island woman by expatriate workers at the Australian-run detention centre.
Ron Knight says it is still unclear why the woman was allegedly found naked and drugged in the accommodation quarters of Wilson Security.
“She has not reported it to the police,” said Mr Knight.
“Because of the media coverage, the issue now has been exposed, and I believe the police are investigating, and there are people from the detention centre trying to sort out the issue here with the local police at the moment.”
Mr Knight said he had received his initial information from local police.
He also says the centre operator over-reacted by evacuating the three expatriate workers before police could investigate the case.
Manus Island police commander says the Mr Knight should leave comment on such cases to the police.
“I don’t know where the honourable member got the information from, but he’s supposed to be getting it from me, not across the street,” said commander Alex N’Drasal.
“As head of police in the province, I have not been informed and I’m not aware (of the allegations).”
Commander N’Drasal has summoned Papua New Guinean immigration officials about why the three Wilson Security employees were allowed to leave the country.
“Maybe they (Transfield) thought they were doing the right thing because in other parts of Papua New Guinea, if something like this happens, you will have a mob with axes looking for you, but not here on Manus,” Mr Knight said.
“I think there has been an over-reaction on both sides and I think those three implicated should taken into the station and with her and find out what the truth is and lay charges accordingly,” Mr Knight said.
The Department of Immigration and Border Protection says it was made aware of the incident in mid-July.
"There were no allegations of a criminal nature made as a result of this incident. However, the alleged incident was inconsistent with expected behaviours and contrary to the service provider’s code of conduct," the Immigration said in a statement to SBS.
"No complaint has been made to the Department in relation to this matter.
"The three service provider staff were stood down and returned to Australia as part of standard procedures with the full knowledge and concurrence of the PNG Police."
"The Department will cooperate fully with any investigation by PNG authorities."
Wilson Security referred enquiries to the department of immigration and Transfield Services has not responded to SBS.
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