PNGDF suspects allowed bail

Four PNG Defence Force soldiers charged by NCD Police with attempted murder of a student in Port Moresby last month have been allowed bail by the Waigani District Court today.

Magistrate John Kaumi handed down his ruling today relying on the submissions by the accused council that their bail was in the interest of justice that the four accused would assist in investigations afoot by both the PNGDF Administration as well as Boroko police.

While noting the seriousness of the matter that the student victim was seriously injured and still in comma, the interest of justice was upheld with strict conditions on bail set by the court; among them, for the accused to pay K2500 prior to their release, to attend all committal hearings, refrain from alcohol consumption or any intoxicated substance and remain in NCD. The accused were also instructed to report to the OIC Boroko Police Station every Monday after their release from custody.

"To the accused, the onus is on you. 7.5 million people of PNG know your primary role is to protect them as citizens but they are afraid of you because you can't protect them - be faithful to your bail conditions set by the court," Magistrate Kaumi said.

The case returns to the District Court on 2nd September 2015 for mention. PNGFM