Security guards accused in man’s death appear in court

By MICHELLE AUAMOROMORO
TWO more security guards allegedly involved in the killing of Brandon Tagune appeared before the Waigani Committal Court last week.
Brandon Aiyok, from Kamas village in Wabag, Enga, and Raymond Thomas from Meraimanda village in Kompiam, Enga, were charged with the murder of Tagune at the Vision City car park in Port Moresby on Nov 24.
According to police, Aiyok and Thomas had an argument with Tagune inside The Cosmopolitan nightclub where security had to intervene.
After the club closed at 4am, it was alleged that Thomas confronted Tagune outside the club and they continued arguing.
The argument escalated into a fight with Thomas being aided by his colleagues, who were on duty that night, including Aiyok.
Aiyok was identified by witnesses and was alleged to have struck Tagune on the head with a piece of timber before fleeing the scene.
Thomas was handed over to police on Nov 28 and Aiyok was arrested on Dec 1.
They appeared for their second mention in court last Friday where Magistrate Tracy Ganaii adjourned their cases to Feb 10.
Their three colleagues, Matthew Ai, Fexy Smith and Petro Tom appeared for their second mention on Monday.
Tom, 22, from Takawas village in Enga, was caught on CCTV footage with a long timber which he allegedly used to hit Tagune on the head with, causing him to fall.
Smith, 23, from Avani, Eastern Highlands, was recognised by a witness as one of the guards who used a rod in the attack on Tagune. He dropped his ID at the scene and police used it to identify and arrest him.
Ai was also accused of being part of the assault on Tagune.
The trio return to court on Feb 17.