Death caused by alcohol consumption on the rise

THERE have been so many deaths caused by alcohol consumption, says a magistrate.
Waigani Committal Magistrate Cosmas Bidar raised the concern when committing five men charged with murder to stand trial the National Court.
Erick Peawi, David Robert, Jetro Benny, Paki Rabua and Justine Kapi all of Kagua Erave are charged with the wilful murder of Owen Korowi from Imbonggu in Southern Highlands.
“And again, alcohol was involved. When alcohol runs down, people go looking for more and end up in such situations,” Magistrate Bidar said.
“There are so many deaths in the country relating to alcohol consumption. This is yet another related case.”
The court was told that the incident happened around 3am on Sept 6 last year at Tokorara in Port Moresby.
It is alleged that the five had gone the previous day to attend a mediation there. But the event was cancelled.
The five got drunk and one of their relatives started a row when he tried to grab Korowi’s beer. It developed into a fight. The five allegedly assaulted Korowi leading to his death.
Bidar said most of the witnesses did not actually see what happened because it was early in the morning.
“The evidence the prosecution relies on are mostly circumstantial,” he said.
“A crucial evidence in this case is the evidence of the uncle of the deceased, and another is from the autopsy.”