Accused in rape kept in custody

 By JUNIOR UKAHA

A YOUNG man accused of raping a girl was last Friday told to remain in custody until next month to hear a ruling on his case. 

Lae Committal Court magistrate Posain Poloh told Anton Eddie, 19, from Maraba, Angoram, East Sepik, that he will decide on his case after considering all the evidences at hand. 

The court heard that on Dec 12 last year, between 12.30pm and 3.00pm, four men held up the girl and her boy friend at Ampo, Lae, Morobe.

After chasing off the boy friend, the victim was taken into the nearby bushes, threatened with a bush knife and raped by the men.

The court heard that Eddie was allegedly the first person to strip the girl and rape her.

The boy friend informed the community who mobilised and searched the area but the rapists escaped.

Eddie was later identified by the girl and was apprehended by police. 

“Pack rape is a serious case. I cannot grant you bail,” the magistrate told the accused.

“Besides, your other accomplices are still at large therefore it is appropriate if you are in custody,” he said.