Man accused of killing niece appears in court

National

By MELYNE BAROI
A MAN who allegedly killed his niece last year appeared at the Waigani Committal Court on Monday.
Police have begun investigations on the murder allegation against Joash Hualupmomi, 31, of Aniyak village in Yangoru Saussia, East Sepik.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Sandra Holland said they would need a month to complete investigations before presenting the report to the court.
Magistrate Peter Balos read the charge against Hualumomi to have him understand the nature of his case.
The accused was charged with one count of murder under section 300, subsection one of the Criminal Code Act.
Police alleged that between 3pm and 4pm on Dec 22, a drunk Hualupmomi assaulted his 11-year-old niece, Hannaberth Hualupmomi, at their home at the Tokam Police barracks.
Hualupmomi allegedly followed the victim into the house with a mop stick intending to beat her.
The victim tried to take refuge in the toilet and then tried to escape through a window but was caught by the accused who struck her with the mop stick and threw her back into the toilet through the window.
The girl lost consciousness and was rushed to the Gerehu general hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.
The incident was reported to police that evening and Hualupmomi was taken into police custody at the Waigani Police Station.
He was taken to Boroko Police Station to the Criminal Investigations Division – Homicide office and was formally arrested and charged on Dec 30.
Hualupmomi is currently in police custody awaiting his second mention on March 6.