Former Miss PNG murder trial begins

A JUDGE has ordered the case against a man accused of killing former Miss PNG Ruby-Anne Laufa to start trial tomorrow.
Justice Teresa Berrigan made the order at the Waigani National Court yesterday after the accused, Richard Namaliu, engaged lawyer Frederick Kirriwom from the office of the public solicitor.
This was after Justice Berrigan refused an application by Kirriwom that sought a one-week adjournment because he only received notice on the case on Saturday.
“The case was transferred to me on Sept 18, it has taken too long,” she said.
“I will give you all of today (Monday) and tomorrow (Tuesday) to prepare for the trial that will commence on Sept 25.”
Namaliu, from Raluana village in Kokopo, East New Britain, was alleged to have picked Laufa up in a vehicle at the time of the incident at the University of Papua New Guinea campus and travelled towards Fort Bena, where Laufa’s body was found.
It was also alleged Laufa had fallen out of the vehicle after an argument with Namaliu.
Details of how Laufa exited will be determined during trial.