Much of Thomas Eluh’s 43 years in the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary has been spent in investigations and prosecution.
It is an important area of operations that has defined him as a cop.
After graduating as young sub-inspector, he was posted to Wabag in the Enga province. This was at a time when many expatriate officers were leaving the country as Papua New Guinea transitioned to Independence in 1975.
In 1978, his commanding officer, felt that Thomas Eluh had a flair for prosecutions and made recommendations for his progression.
From 1981 to 1989, he worked as a prosecutions officer. His life, revolving around the station and the court house.
“All my life I’ve worked in prosecutions. I alternated between prosecutions and investigations because, those two functions complement each other.”
His life hasn’t been without drama.
Over the last 15 years, his work has been in the media spotlight. In 2007, as Director of Prosecutions, Thomas Eluh, hit the media headlines again after he was badly assaulted by fellow officers who had been instructed to serve a suspension notice on him. Without delving much into the details surrounding the incident, he jokes about it.
“There were things I disagreed with and maybe because I was a small guy they beat me up.”
The assault, didn’t dampen his spirit. Within days of the assault he was reassigned to another posting.
Thomas Eluh’s strength of character is what takes his through his most difficult times. He says his upbringing and strong Catholic faith taught to him by his catechist father has guided him through the turbulence.
“I’ve forgiven those who assaulted me. I have not gone to court. They have admitted their fault and have apologized and I have forgiven them.
“My father always taught me to be honest. Because whatever you do, God will see through your heart.”
Over the last four years, Thomas Eluh, has been going through, perhaps the biggest challenges in his professional and personal life.
On the 16th of June 2014, he took a warrant of arrest to the Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill. While the warrant was not executed, he also presented a letter signed by then Police Commissioner, Tom Kulunga, inviting the Prime Minister to go to the Police headquarters.
That one event triggered a series of other events of which he can’t discuss at present due to legal reasons. He was later suspended and dismissed.
“I hold no grudges against anyone. As police officers, we are mandated by the constitution to uphold the rule of law
“It’s hard on my family. My children have grown up and sometimes, they feel sad that I have to go through this. But they have been very supportive.”
On the personal front, another challenge is confronting him.
Recently, he collapsed during a walk and was taken to hospital. Doctors have told him that he needs urgent surgery to clear blockages in his heart.
His son, Michael and daughter-in-law, Matrom, have been coordinating fundraising efforts, so far raising K40,000. Michael says, the operation can’t be done in country and they will have to go to Singapore for treatment.
To support Mr. Thomas Eluh, you can make a donation to the following account:
Eluh Michael and Matrom Bobby John
Account: 1014661035
BSP Haus, Harbour City
For more information please contact Michael on 72171942 or Matrom on 73177148.
