Lohia’s case progressing

By CLARISSA MOI
POLICE have informed a committal court in Waigani that there is progress on the case of Moresby North-West MP Lohia Boe Samuel and his co-accused Fabian Hera, charged with killing a man on March 11.
Prosecutor Sergeant Chris Iga told the court yesterday that the case informant was working on the police file.
Iga added that a couple of statements such as medical report and post-mortem had been obtained except ballistic tests, which were still pending.
Magistrate Paul Puri Nii fixed June 9 for the matter to return for further mention.
“On the next returnable date, I want prosecutions to inform the court on the latest progress of file on allegations against both Samuel and Hera,” he said.
Magistrate Nii asked Hera and Samuel’s lawyers to produce bail certificates and receipts at the registry.
Hera is represented by the public solicitor and Samuel is represented by Edward Sasingian.
“These are important documents that should be produced before the court to sanction that your clients are on bail,” Magistrate Nii said.
Luke Siminji, deputy public solicitor crime, and Sasingian both responded that those documents would be filed immediately.
Samuel and Hera’s bails were extended.
Police alleged that on March 11 between 7.15pm and 8pm, Samuel, 52, from Motu-Koitabu’s Elevala village in the National Capital District, and Hera, 26, from Koukou village in Motu-Koitabu, were having dinner in a restaurant in Waigani with Robert Jerry, 38, from Bulolo’s Lagis village in Morobe.
It was alleged that they were having a discussion on some issues during the meal.
Police alleged that a disagreement must have arisen and Samuel allegedly drew his licensed firearm, loaded with five rounds of ammunition, and shot Jerry on the right side of his neck under his ear.
The bullet exited Jerry’s back close to the left, killing the father of seven almost instantly.
Samuel allegedly put the weapon on a seat, stood up, banged the table and yelled out Hera’s name twice saying, “Fabian why did you do that, why?” and he walked out.
Hera stood there with his hands on his head looking lost.
A witness, Daniel Oaisa, who was seated close to them heard the gun shot, stood up and quickly went to pick up the pistol which was left on the seat pointing towards where Fabian was sitting.
Oaisa got the pistol, walked out and cleared the weapon with one bullet in the chamber.
Another witness, expatriate Lydia Kailap, who was having dinner with her family, went to try to help Jerry while calling others to help while waiting for the ambulance.
Samuel allegedly walked out, got in his vehicle and drove away.