Four to stand trial for murder, stealing car

THE Buka district court has committed four men to stand trial for their involvement in a murder case in Buka, North Bougainville earlier this year.
Senior Magistrate Bruce Tasikul last Friday committed Augustine Tupp and Andrew Tupp from Malasang village in Buka, Thomas Kevui from Rawa village and Etti Jackson of Tapo village in Tinputz, North Bougainville.
The four were each charged with the murder of Justine Tsibin at Kukul beach, one count of stealing a vehicle, and one count of unlawful use of a vehicle.
It was alleged that on Feb 2, between 3am and 4am, the four after attending a dance in the company of another man Edward Kenai, decided to walk home.
They arrived at Kukul Beach and found Tsibiu with his two friends.
“Edward Kenai approached the vehicle and asked the late Justine to drop off one of the defendants and his children at Malasang village,” Tasikul said.
“Tsibin refused and so Edward Kenai became angry and took the key out of the vehicle ignition.”
Kenai allegedly pulled Tsibin out of the vehicle and repeatedly assaulted him. As a result Tsibin sustained serious injuries.
Jackson and Kenai allegedly dragged Tsibin, who was unconscious and bleeding, onto the trailer of the vehicle.
Kenai allegedly gave the vehicle key to Augustine and told him to drive away with the body.
Tsibin was later discovered at Hangan village and was taken to Buka General Hospital.
“Evidence before me has been sufficiently established and that each of you has a prima facie case to stand trial in the National Court,” Tasikul said.
Kenai is still on the run.