Magistrate warns accused gang members before dismissing case

National

By VANESSA NIKEN
Two men accused of being part of a gang who attacked passengers on a public bus and demanded for money, have been urged by a magistrate to be good citizens.
Waigani Committal Magistrate Paul Puri Nii issued this warning to Brian So’on, 20, from Ande village in Marawaka, Eastern Highlands and Junior Bill, 20, from Kips village in Lufa, Eastern Highlands, after he struck out their case due to lack of evidence.
“City life is very hard,”he said.
“Start going to church and change your attitudes.”
Police alleged that So’on and Bill were among a group of drunken men from Eastern Highlands at 5-Mile, NBC busstop along the Sir Hubert Murray Highway in Port Moresby last Nov 14.
Police alleged that the men were smashing bottles on the road and throwing projectiles at vehicles and harassing the public.
During that time, a public bus stopped at the bus stop.
Police alleged that So’on, Bill and others then demanded the bus fare collector, Abel Yakema, for money but Yakema refused. So’on, Bill and others allegedly boarded the bus armed with bush knives, iron rods, kitchen knives, stones and attacked Yakema and passenger Royal Keven.
Police alleged that they pulled Yakema and Keven out of the bus and dragged them on the tar and concrete pavement and continued attacking them.
One of the drunken boys held a stone and punched Keven in the mouth breaking three of his teeth instantly while Yakema was chopped in the head with a bush knife.
They were also seen smashing the windscreens of the bus with stones and other projectiles.
The matter was reported to police which led to the arrest of So’on, and Bill who were charged with attempted murder, and grievous bodily harm.