Group in court over murder

 NINETEEN suspects from Merai village in the Sinivit Local Level Government of Pomio in East New Britain appeared at the Kokopo district court yesterday on charges of wilful murder, arson and attempted murder.

Five more suspects facing similar charges will appear in court next Tuesday.

The suspects ranging in age from 20 to 45 were implicated in the murder of two men from Sulka in Bitapaka LLG, Kokopo district, and for burning down of 10 houses at Sulka, displacing families.

The 19 defendants that appeared in court were charged with two counts each of wilful murder, one count each of attempted murder and 10 counts each of arson.

They have been remanded in police custody at the Kokopo Police station.

Magistrate Albert Daniels adjourned the case of the 19 suspects to Feb 25.

Police camped in the area to monitor the situation and to see that normalcy return so schools at Mungou could resume classes.

Bitapaka LLG president, Cosmas Bauk had called for provincial authorities to conduct a land development forum to address land dispute in the area.

He said the Government would not be able to achieve its development plans for the South Coast economic corridor if such matters were not effectively addressed.

It is understood the two tribal groups from Baining and Sulka would sign an agreement on Monday to allow them to live in peace. Police would be present during the signing of the agreement.