Man accused of arson discharged

By BARBARA DERUAGE
A 40-YEAR-OLD man accused of arson was discharged and his case struck out due to incomplete police files.
Jack Sape, from Piwa village, Tari, Hela was alleged to have burnt Kanakumo Pepenau’s house at Gerehu Homestead Compound on March 16 at 10pm. It was alleged that, Sape with the aid of an accomplice, and under the influence of alcohol, went to Pepenau’s house while he was out and set fire to it.
When Pepenau rushed back to save his house, Sape and his accomplice threatened Pepenau with a bush knife.
Sape was alleged to have threatened Pepenau saying “Bai yu dai” (You will die). Fearing for his safety, Pepenau fled the scene.
He went straight to Gerehu police station and reported the matter.
Police investigation revealed that Pepenau’s personal effects were burnt along with the house.
Magistrate Ernest Wilmot took note that Sape first appeared in court from custody on April 3.
He stated that Sape’s appearance yesterday made it his fifth in court.
Police prosecutor Peter Samghy stated that further instructions were not received by the arresting officer.
He informed the court that the arresting officer was on recreational leave. The court stated that the case exceeded time required to be in court which was three months so an order was made discharging Sape from custody and striking out the case.
Samghy explained to Sape that although his case was struck out, police could re-arrest him once they had completed fixing his files.