Groups charged with arson back in court next month

TWO groups of men charged with arson following an incident at Wasu station, Tewai-Siassi in Morobe on Oct 17, were set dates for mention by the Lae Committal Court on Friday.
The burning down of several business properties took place as a result of a fight started after a drinking session that saw one man, Buka Natong, slashed with a bush knife.
Five of Natong’s relatives – Wangi Natong, Robert Buka, Loti Selo, Peros Kenny and Kerry Tembe – all from Ulut village, Wasu local level government, allegedly retaliated by looting a bottle shop, burning down a fuel station and trade store which were valued at K566,470 belonging to the Sapugoda business group.
Seven men from Kulavi village, Tewai-Siassi, allegedly responded by burning down a trade store valued at K188,930 also at Wasu station.
The seven – Timothy Sopa, Sou Sopa, Sorong Sopa, Dalas Sorong, Kuyang Dumai, Yage Jackson and Gasam Timothy – from Kulavi , were charged with arson appeared in court from a police bail of K500 each while the other five from Ulut appeared from custody.
Magistrate Pious Tapil told the five Ulut men to make a proper bail application before they were remanded in custody at Buimo jail.
One of the Ulut men told the court that police had confiscated their boats and engines as well as other items while arresting them. Magistrate Tapil also advised them to make a separate motion on the matter.
They will appear for mention on Nov 17 with their guarantors to have their bails granted.
Meanwhile, Magistrate Tapil converted the K500 police bail for the seven Kulavi men to court bails.
Police told the court that other small businesses operating at Wasu station were also affected.
The court set Dec 10 for the seven Kulavi men to appear for mention.