Man facing assault charge for attack on wife

By GEORGINA KOREI
A 37-YEAR-OLD man who allegedly bashed up his wife in Port Moresby in March was charged with one count of assault and appeared before the Waigani Committal Court last week.
Magistrate Paul Puri Nii told John Pongopia, from Waloba village, Ialibu-Pangia in Southern Highlands, that his case was adjourned to Aug 17 so that police could complete their investigation and present evidence in court.
“The nature of the charge is sensitive so the court will give a month for police to provide evidence before it,” he said.
Pongopia is alleged to have committed the offence on March 20, at 8-Mile, in Port Moresby, where he assaulted his wife Rose Kuma.
Kuma was packing up Pongopia’s clothes to remove him from their home after an argument when he confronted her with a bush knife.
Pongopia struck Kuma twice in the back with the flat side of the bush knife, knocking her to the floor and while Kuma was on the floor, Pongopia swung the weapon a third time and in defending herself Kuma was cut on the left hand.
Relatives heard Kuma’s screams and stopped Pongopia.
Kuma sustained injuries in the form of cuts and bruises to her neck, left hand, forearm and back.