Duo to stand trial for murder

Two men will face the higher courts after police have established sufficient evidence against them for a suspected murder. On October 3, 2024, at Hohola White House, it is alleged that the two men (defendants) and others fought with the late victim, but the defendants denied their involvement. But Waigani Committal Court Magistrate Paul Puri Nii after going through the evidence was satisfied that there is a case for the two accused to face court.

Magistrate Nii ruled that despite the denials, all State witnesses mentioned both defendants’ names and others as suspects involved in a fight with the late victim. “All witnesses are saying the defendants and others were at the alleged scene at the time of the incident and attacked the late victim. “’.



..This already gives me a clear view to form my prima facie case and therefore it is my view that police have produced sufficient evidence to corroborate the allegation against the defendants.

The defendants Boras Gabriel, 23 and Maru Ware, 38, are both from Kompiam Ambum in the Enga province. according to police report, on October 3, 2023, at White house in Hohola 2, NCD, had each and severely did unlawfully kill the late victim Mr Archie Hoiba. The defendants were subsequently arrested and charged under Section 300(1)(1) and Sections 7 and 8 of the Criminal Code Act.

The defendants through a submission filed on July 31, 2024, argued that witness statements are conflicting and hence it does not connect to the allegations, therefore asked the court to dismiss the allegations against them, while prosecutions relied on police hand up briefs. Magistrate Nii after having read the witness statements, Defendant’s Record of Interview and Defence submission and after going through each of them, ruled that police evidence under Section 95(1) of the District Court Act is sufficient. Police evidence has made out a prima facie case against the Defendant.

Consequently, Police have delivered satisfactory evidence against the defendant for the allegation of Murder under Section 300(1)(a) of the Criminal Code Act and thus the information against the defendant is sustained, ordered the court..