By JOHNNY POIYA
Mt Hagen police are seeking further evidence to re-try 10 people suspected of burning down ballot boxes for the Jiwaka regional seat.
In September last year the boxes were burnt after petitioner Jamie Maxton Graham served a copy of a petition to Governor William Tongamp.
Investigations by police resulted in the arrest of 11 people, including several policemen, and they were charged with conspiracy and arson.
Ten suspects eventually appeared in Mt Hagen District Court last month where the case was dismissed due to lack of evidence.
The Court made the ruling after the counsel for the defence, Robin Yallon, submitted a statement claiming the prosecution failed to present prima facie evidence.
Senior District Court Magistrate Jeremaiah Singomat said there was no substantial evidence to commit the defendants to the National Court.
Neither the witnesses nor the certificates of interpretation attached to their statements, as required by the Court’s Act, were sufficient enough to do this.
The court also found instances of conflicting evidence where names were provided other than the true identity of persons.
The Highlands Regional OIC Criminal Investigation Division Mazuc Rubiang admitted there may have been failures on their side which resulted in the dismissal but they would continue with further investigations to see justice prevail.
“There was technical error or maybe we didn’t defend our case properly in the committal proceedings which resulted in the dismissal. Though the case was dismissed, I will try all my means and ways to get these people back to court. We already got statements from six witnesses and I appeal to the people of Jiwaka to assist if they have any information.”
Acting Detective Chief Inspector Rubiang said they would not fail the people of Jiwaka and they would continue investigations and make sure those responsible face the full force of the law.
Senior District Court Magistrate Jeremaiah Singomat freed Paul Kes Kaman, John Lepa Mangi, Michael Tau Kenzie, Thomson Tolai Kauke, James Bombie, Otto Du Mong, and Korki Pup.
In an earlier decision the court discharged three of the accused: Andrew Mangi, Morris Millen and Martin Tongamp, also due to lack of evidence.
Mt Hagen police are seeking further evidence to re-try 10 people suspected of burning down ballot boxes for the Jiwaka regional seat.
In September last year the boxes were burnt after petitioner Jamie Maxton Graham served a copy of a petition to Governor William Tongamp.
Investigations by police resulted in the arrest of 11 people, including several policemen, and they were charged with conspiracy and arson.
Ten suspects eventually appeared in Mt Hagen District Court last month where the case was dismissed due to lack of evidence.
The Court made the ruling after the counsel for the defence, Robin Yallon, submitted a statement claiming the prosecution failed to present prima facie evidence.
Senior District Court Magistrate Jeremaiah Singomat said there was no substantial evidence to commit the defendants to the National Court.
Neither the witnesses nor the certificates of interpretation attached to their statements, as required by the Court’s Act, were sufficient enough to do this.
The court also found instances of conflicting evidence where names were provided other than the true identity of persons.
The Highlands Regional OIC Criminal Investigation Division Mazuc Rubiang admitted there may have been failures on their side which resulted in the dismissal but they would continue with further investigations to see justice prevail.
“There was technical error or maybe we didn’t defend our case properly in the committal proceedings which resulted in the dismissal. Though the case was dismissed, I will try all my means and ways to get these people back to court. We already got statements from six witnesses and I appeal to the people of Jiwaka to assist if they have any information.”
Acting Detective Chief Inspector Rubiang said they would not fail the people of Jiwaka and they would continue investigations and make sure those responsible face the full force of the law.
Senior District Court Magistrate Jeremaiah Singomat freed Paul Kes Kaman, John Lepa Mangi, Michael Tau Kenzie, Thomson Tolai Kauke, James Bombie, Otto Du Mong, and Korki Pup.
In an earlier decision the court discharged three of the accused: Andrew Mangi, Morris Millen and Martin Tongamp, also due to lack of evidence.
No comments:
Post a Comment