Cops accused of assaulting Chief Ombudsman returning to court

FOUR policemen accused of assaulting Chief Ombudsman Richard Pagen will return to hear their case in the Waigani Committal Court next month.
Waigani Committal Court Magistrate Danny Wakikura adjourned the case of Israel Bill, Fittler Tago, Smith Kop and Smaila Hombuafe to Aug 4 for mention while they are on bail.
Hombuafe failed to appear in court.
Police Prosecutor Sgt Joseph Sangam told the court that all the defendants needed to show up in their next hearing or a warrant would be issued for their arrest.
The four are facing charges of wounding, unlawful detention and abuse of office.
On Aug 29, 2019, between 9.30pm and 10pm, Pagen was leaving his residence in Port Moresby with his daughter and five others. On their way out of their residence, Pagen saw a brown Toyota Land Cruiser parked on the road.
The vehicle was blocking his driveway lane while another white vehicle came and stopped beside the Land Cruiser to block off both lanes. Pagen went to talk to the drivers of the two vehicles, however, they allegedly assaulted him after telling him to get into their vehicle .
Bystanders intervened but Pagen was hurled by the officers into the vehicle before they drove off.