On trial over double murder

THE Waigani Committal Court has committed a man charged with wilful murder to stand trial in the National Court.
Magistrate Paul Puri Nii on Tuesday when committing Igibe Palija John Tambako, 40, from Toria village in Tari, Hela, said the evidence presented was sufficient to commit Tambako on two counts of wilful murder.
“It is my decision under Section 95 (1) of the District Court Act that evidence shows there is a case of two counts of wilful murder by Tambako against the victims and, thus, the charge of wilful murder is sustained,” Nii said.
Police allege that Tambako and several others attacked and killed Hubert Tangelia and Tony Laku, both from Tari, who had been drinking at Erima Tari Pack settlement, National Capital District on Aug 16, 2020.
Tangelia had come to Erima from his Korobosea home after being called by co-accused Duma Agoma to see him for a ticket to Tari and to buy him beer.
Tangelia and Laku were attacked by men with bush knives and died at the scene. Police were called in after the killings and took the bodies to the morgue.
Tambako, who is Aguma’s brother, was arrested and charged with wilful murder as he had been seen at the scene of the crime.
Tambako remains in custody.