Rape suspects to stand trial

 TWO men charged with raping two girls have been committed to stand trial in the National Court at Waigani.

Frank John and Ganima Samuel, both from Sinasina-Yogomul in Chimbu were told by Committal Court Magistrate Cosmas Bidar that there was sufficient evidence to commit them for trial. 

Co-accused Panda Las from Kontila in Western Highlands was absent. Police Prosecutor Chief Sergeant Polon Koniu told the court that Las had travelled to Mt Hagen without their knowledge.

The three were charged with abduction, deprivation of personal rights and sexual penetration.

The court heard that the two girls – one from Enga and one from Hela – were allegedly assaulted at Baruni dump in Port Moresby on April 3 last year. They were 13 and 11 years old at the time.

Bidar said John and Samuel sexually penetrated the girls while Las was on guard. The two girls experienced a lot of pain.