The Waigani Committal Court has found sufficient evidence against six PNGDF soldiers for their alleged involvement in a fight with students last year that resulted in the death of a 17- year -old.
Magistrate John Kaumi in a brief ruling today said there is sufficient evidence before the court against accused Jude Nidung, David Travolta, Gregory Tuaki, Alwin Matiabe, Tobias Samson and Kenneth Yangun.
Their case was adjourned to Oct 27 where their lawyer will return to court and give an indication whether they will make a response to the court finding sufficient evidence against them, through what is called a section 96 statement of the District Court Act.
All six have been in court on murder charges.
It was alleged the soldiers were involved in a fight with students from the Kilakila Secondary School during a cultural show at the Coronation Primary school on July 25, 2015.
The fight resulted in the Grade 11 Salvation Army student, Jeremiah Yinu, being hospitalised after receiving life threatening injuries.
The ruling today came as a relief for parents of the deceased, the late Yinu who succumbed to injuries he sustained from the fight on Oct 7, 2015.
The late Yinu was 17 when he left his families and friends behind on Oct 7 last year. He died a month short of his 18th birthday.
"The case has come this far and we are satisfied with the decision the magistrate has made and we are looking forward to coming back on the 27th of September. We just wait for the next stage of the court process, "his father, Thomas Yinu said.
"Tomorrow all be his one year anniversary so we are happy with the ruling today."
The soldiers remain on a National Court bail of K5, 000 each.
(Late Jeremiah's parents Antonia and Thomas Yinu outside court today.)