Trial date set for guard in supermarket shooting

By HEZRON KISING
A security guard charged with shooting dead a colleague at a supermarket in Port Moresby where they both worked will be tried in the National Court.
This follows a decision by Waigani Committal Court Magistrate Cosmas Bidar.
Edson Alojipan, 41, originally from Iloilo City in the Philippines, appeared in court from custody at Bomana prison, was charged with a count of murder on Feb 15.
It was alleged that Alojipan shot his countryman Jeffery Velarde with his company issue pistol.
He was also charged with the attempted murder of two locals, Trevor and Troy Bray, who were at the scene after doing their shopping and got hit by stray bullets.
The court ruled on Friday that all allegations had been investigated by police and a report was presented before the court. Magistrate Bidar said it was a clear case of an argument that resulted in violence with the use of firearm.
He said the evidence was overwhelming and sufficient.
Alojipan is alleged to have admitted to police that he used his pistol to kill Velarde.
Magistrate Bidar told Alojipan to prepare his written statements with a lawyer ready for trial on Sept 19.
The court heard that the alleged offence occurred on Feb 15 between 7pm and 7.30pm at Boroko Foodworld in Gordon.