Suspect in multiple murders committed to trial

By ZACHERY PER
THE Committal Court in Goroka, Eastern Highlands, has committed a man to stand trial for the murder of 14 people.
Goroka District Court magistrate Michael Apie’e said because of the seriousness of the case, it was only proper that the suspect, Memo Danai, stood trial in the National Court.
Danai, from Anona village, Kainantu, was alleged to have been responsible for triggering a violent attack on Kainantu’s Banana Block over gate-takings at the Kainantu main market on Sept 30 last year.
According to police, Danai had been armed with a bush knife and had an argument with boys from Banana Block over the takings.
His tribesmen were alleged to have joined him and engaged in more attacks with stones, leading to a raid on the block.
“They chopped men from the Banana Block, looted properties and set fire to dwelling houses and chased three men to K Mart and chopped them to death,” the police statement said.
Consequently, 14 men were killed and several houses torched and properties destroyed.
Police investigated and apprehended Danai as the principal suspect and charged him with multiple murders contrary to section 299 of the Criminal Code Act.
The 14 deceased were Jimmy Yababa, Dickson (no surname provided), Dickson Wero, Ogomi Mage, Joe Wesave, Obet Sebu, Wanpis Robin, Maina Ta’a, Baurui, Wereo, Moi Kata, Thomson Dayuta, David Nivio, Taiti Keire and Nicko Las.
Apie’e said the court had enough evidence to commit the suspect to stand trial in the National Court at the next sitting.Danai is now remanded at Bihute jail.