Judge rejects bail for cops

By ZEDAIAH KANAU
A JUDGE has rejected bail applications of two policemen accused of killing two men in Erima, Port Moresby on Sept 28.
Judge Teresa Berrigan yesterday in the Waigani National Court refused a K1,000 bail application for Komeng Gubag, 34, of Wakon village, Sumkar, Madang and Carl Laba, 23, of South Fly, Western.
The pair, through their lawyer Frederick Kirriwom, from the Public Solicitors Office, mitigated for bail on the grounds that they were innocent, had young families who relied on them, and that their safety was at risk since most inmates in Bomana disliked police.
Both are facing two counts each of murder.
They allegedly killed Tamipe Tigili and Tagali Kopaja at the Tari Pack settlement in Erima.
Justice Berrigan said since the allegations of murder was a serious one, the court had to be satisfied that there was exceptional ground to warrant granting of bail.
Public prosecutor Helen Roalakona objected to bail saying that violence was used against the settlers, including a firearm in the alleged offence. Roalakona submitted that the offence carried a maximum penalty of death and investigations were ongoing.
Justice Berrigan said that it was unfortunate for the families to have their fathers incarcerated but said that their safety was at the discretion of the institution where they were being locked up.
She then rejected bail after finding no grounds to rule otherwise.
“In my view, the applicants have failed to show exceptional grounds to allow for bail, the application is therefore refused,” Justice Berrigan said.
It was alleged that on Sept 28 between 7pm and 8pm, policemen from 7-Mile Airport, Gordon, the K-9 Dog Unit and 6-Mile Saraga station drove into the Erima settlement in their officially marked vehicles and removed betel nut and cigarette vendors.
Police then advanced into the settlements, destroying properties, in which trade stores were broken into, damaged and goods stolen.
Gunshots were allegedly discharged at the settlers, resulting in the shooting to death of Tigili and Kopaja at the Tari Pack settlement in Port Moresby.