Court to rule on teenager’s murder case

By GEORGINA KOREI
A MAGISTRATE has set May 3, to make a ruling on the case of a teenager who was charged with murder.
Committal Court Magistrate Paul Puri Nii, in Waigani, adjourned the ruling on the case of Joshua Bruce, 17, from Kagua-Erave’s Simbori, Southern Highlands.
The ruling date was adjourned to next month since he was not brought to court on Thursday from the Bomana Prison.
Police prosecutor Sgt Christian Iga said the ruling was reserved as Bruce was not present in court.
Police alleged that at about 6am on Jan 1 at Eight-Mile Block, Bruce and his 16-year-old brother were drunk and were breaking empty bottles in front of a trade store.
Trade store owner David Walapepe, who was in his yard, went out to check the commotion and that was when the alleged incident happened. The court heard that when Walapepe approached Bruce and his brother, an argument ensued which led to a fight.
After the fight, Walapepe suffered shortness of breath and collapsed.
Walapepe was taken to the Port Moresby General Hospital, but was pronounced dead on arrival.
Bruce was later taken to Gordon Police Station and charged with murder.