Bail sought for suspects in killing of CS officer

A LAWYER representing four men charged with the murder of a Correctional Services officer has asked a court to release the defendants on bail after the arresting officer was not complying with court orders.
The defendants, Kunes Raiwaso, 28, from Socsoc village; Ronald Lezereng, 30, from Awengu village; Musen Sora, 36, from Lembati village and Ganzang Ivil, 36, from Lambati village, all in Finschhafen, Morobe, appeared in court from police custody.
Public Solicitor’s Office lawyer Joshua Huekwahin told Committal Court Magistrate Pious Tapil that this was the second time the arresting officer was requested to be in court to verify the delay in conducting the record of interview. Huekwahin told the court that the arresting officer was not complying with court orders and made an oral submission in court that his clients be released on bail.
Magistrate Tapil, in response to Huekwahin’s submission, stated that since the case was a serious one, the court would still give a final chance for the arresting officer.
“The court has the discretion to also extend the time needed for police to complete the hand up briefs to be presented in court as well,” the magistrate said.
He said it would be the final adjournment for the arresting officer to come before the court and explain, and if nothing, the court would go ahead and decide the next process.
Police brief alleged that the defendants on March 31, while under the influence of alcohol and in a moving vehicle, knocked off the deceased from the vehicle after being attacked, along Busu Road near Busu Secondary School between 8.30pm and 9pm.
The court heard that the deceased was then rushed to Angau General Hospital by bystanders but he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Magistrate Tapil adjourned the case to today for the final time.