3 men guilty of killing relative

THREE men have been found guilty of manslaughter and five others acquitted by the National court in Madang province.
Resident judge of Madang, Justice David Cannings, convicted Melchior Kapus, Essau Kapus and Derick Kapus for manslaughter yesterday.
The three brothers aged 23, 20 and 17 killed their 52-year-old male relative during an altercation in September of 2006 at the Biliau Maus Rot settlement on the outskirts of Madang town .
The deceased, John Sindat, died of heads wounds inflicted by an axe and punches.
In his judgement, Justice Cannings said the persons who inflicted the fatal wounds to the victim”s head were Essau Kapus and Derick Kapus. “Melchior Kapus whipped the deceased with a hydraulic hose on the side of his body, though the wounds inflicted were not fatal they contributed to the overpowering of the deceased, which had begun when Melchior pulled his shirt over his head, making him vulnerable to a lethal attack,” Justice Cannings said.
The other five where acquitted because the state failed to prove that they were involved.
They are Jessie Wus, Carlson Konsi, Gerard Sapi, Ivan Sapi and Webster Bieo.
The three men convicted of manslaughter will appear before the National court next month for sentencing.