Man on murder charge in court

 A CENTRAL man, who allegedly murdered a Morobe student while on holiday in the National Capital District, appeared in the Waigani Committal Court this week.

Magistrate Cosmas Bidar read the charge of wilful murder to the defendant, Anton Dawai of Tapini, before adjourning the case to April 5 to allow for investigations.

 The accused allegedly struck John Balu, of Garaina, at a market near the Bomana prison on Feb 8.

Balu, who was holidaying in NCD with his father, had about K7700 in his possession which, among other things, was to pay for his return ticket to Morobe.

Police alleged that Balu, fearing what might happen, fled and the accused  and  his accomplices chased him.

It was then that Dawai allegedly chopped the deceased’s tendons with a bush knife to prevent him from escaping and then cut his neck off. Police managed to capture and bring Dawai into custody before charging him but his accomplices escaped and remain at large.

The accused said he understood his charge when asked by Bidar.

Bidar said since the case was fresh, police would be allowed time to investigate and gather statements from witnesses at the market.

He said the investigation would include a doctor’s report to determine the actual extent of the damage inflicted on the deceased. Bidar told Dawai that the committal court had no power to grant him bail due to the nature of his charge.