So, to summarise: soldiers are allegedly operating illegally; the Chief of the Defence Force has not given the go-ahead for such operations, and indeed he is not supportive of it; the CoP is concerned to the point of giving his men instructions to arrest soldiers; the Minister of National Security says wherever there are soldiers they are accompanied by police.
Who is in charge here could very well be the most important question to be answered by the heads of the security services, the Minister of National Security and eventually the PM and her Cabinet. Here is what makes that question relevant: soldiers are not only out on the streets patrolling by themselves, but reportedly questioning and subjecting people to brutal interrogation. The soldiers are also said to be carrying out investigations on media premises, reportedly looking for a person or people to assist with a murder inquiry.
While this is happening, the Chief of Defence Force, Major Gen Kenrick Maharaj is quoted by acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams, as saying that he–Major Gen Maharaj–has not given instructions for the soldiers to be carrying out such operations.At the same time, the acting CoP, having returned to the country after a two-week absence, is expressing concern about how the soldiers are reported to be patrolling solo and "arresting" people. Hence, acting Commissioner Williams said on a radio talk show Thursday: "I have directed police officers if necessary to prosecute soldiers" if they are found to be breaking the law.
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