Court urges police for evidence

By GEORGINA KOREI
A MAGISTRATE has given police a week to ensure evidence collected against incumbent Moresby North-West MP Lohia Boe Samuel and his co-accused Fabian Hera, charged with murder, is compiled properly.
Waigani Committal Court Magistrate Paul Puri Nii adjourned the case to Wednesday when the police prosecution asked for a week’s adjournment so they can arrange the files in sequence.
“Police have to come set next week with all files numbered properly as Samuel is a leader with a sensitive charge and the case needs to proceed on,” he said.
Magistrate Nii said he was satisfied that police files had been presented before the court but they could arrange them in order and bring to court next week so he could set a proper hearing date.
Samuel’s lawyer Edward Sasingian told the court that there was no issue with adjourning the case to Aug 10.
Counsel Fredrick Kirriwom, who represented Hera, also agreed with the adjournment date. Samuel and Hera’s bails were extended until Aug 10.
On March 11, between 7.15pm and 8pm, Samuel 52, from Motu-Koitabu’s Elevala village in the National Capital District, and Hera, 26, from Koukou village in Motu-Koitabu, were having dinner at a restaurant in Waigani with Robert Jerry, 38, from Bulolo’s Lagi’s village, Morobe.
It was alleged that they were having a discussion during the meal.
Police alleged that a disagreement must have arisen and Samuel allegedly drew his licensed firearm, loaded it with five rounds of ammunition, and shot Jerry on the right side of his neck under his ear causing his death.