Female police officer allowed bail

Chief inspector Maria Jones has succeeded in obtaining bail from the National Court for her release from police custody.

She was allowed bail at K1000 on Friday April 8 and while her two guarantors are expected to pledge K1000 each to ensure she adheres to all her bail conditions.

She will be released from custody once payments are paid for her bail.

The 40-year-old woman from Kubalia, Yangoru-Saussia district, East Sepik Province was ordered by the court to not interfere with state witnesses while she is out on bail.’

She was also ordered to not have firearms in her possession, to not consume alcohol, not leave NCD, and to attend church service every weekend while out on bail.

Justice Sir Kina Bona in giving his decision on the bail application this afternoon said  it would not be fair that the only female accused in the Tatana shooting be kept in custody while her male co-accused were on bail.

He said the applicant (Jones) has eight children who need her at home.

The applicant (Jones) was arrested and charged with willful murder on Monday April 4. She appeared for mention at the Committal Court where she was arraigned on Friday April 8.

Johns is facing allegations she was involved in the shooting of Tatana man, the late  Saleh Naime Tom, also known as Charlie Naime in Tatana village early last year.

She was alleged to have been involved in a police raid that led to the shooting at Tatana village on January 17, last year.

Her three co-accuseds;  Ian Gunawi of East Sepik Province, Philip Pokop of Manus and Lawrence Sausau have been in and out of court since last year and are all out on National Court bail.

Author: 
Staff Reporter