Cops appear on murder charge

TWO policemen appeared in the Waigani Committal Court yesterday charged with wilful murder.
Stanley Kilip, of Tikil village in Mul-Baiyer, Western Highlands, appeared from a K2000 national court bail and Jack Aaron, of Tonu village in Siwai district, Autonomous Region of Bougainville, appeared from custody.
The duo were charged with murdering Robert Giware outside a Port Moresby nightclub early this year.
Magistrate Cosmas Bidar adjourned the case to June 23 for mention because police were still investigating the alleged incident through witness statements.
Bidar said the arresting officer, who was handling the case, advised  the court in a statement that the files were nearing completion.
The officer said he was waiting for crime-scene photos to be processed before completing the files.
Bidar said the officer also indicated that he was attending to a personal issue that resulted in the delay.
He said the officer advised him to release Aaron from custody so that he could prepare his evidence.
Bidar said that information was confusing and was not clear.
Bidar urged the police prosecutor to make proper submissions on the  officer’s statement regarding the release of Aaron.
He said submissions were important because the court registry needed to properly account for the officer’s  statement.
According to a police brief summary of facts, Kilip and Aaron were allegedly involved in a fight with  Giware outside a nightclub between 4am and 5am on Feb 7.
It was alleged that Kilip grabbed Giware by the shirt and started kicking and punching him.
Aaron allegedly joined in the assault moments later.
Police alleged that the pair continued punching Giware’s face before Aaron used a wheel spanner to assault him.
It was alleged that Giware was pronounced dead after he was taken to the hospital, leading police to charge Kilip and Aaron with wilful murder.
Bidar said Kilip and Aaron were innoocent until proven guilty.