Sheekiot allowed K1000 bail

Justice Sir Bernard Sakora said authorities in charge of institutions must ensure both prisoners and detainees in their custody are safe.

He said the Court must also be mindful of this and treat people differently due to risks involved when detained.

He made these comments when he allowed K1000 bail this afternoon (Friday) for the fifth accused that was arrested and charged for his alleged involvement in the Tatana shooting on January 17, 2015.

The court used its discretion in granting bail to 33-year-old Jeffery Sheekiot of Sumusamu village, Bogia, Madang Province, after his lawyer appeared before the National Court this morning and moved a bail application.

His two guarantors will pay K500 to ensure he follows his bail conditions, which is not to leave NCD without approval of the court, not to interfere with state witnesses, must live at his residential area at Angau Drive and report to the National Court registry every first Monday of the month.

Sheekiot must not consume alcohol and should not be involved in or commit any other criminal offense whilst out on bail.

He was arrested on July 28 in Port Moresby with wilful murder.

He is alleged to be among a group of police officers who conducted a raid at Tatana village early last year whilst investigating the murder of another man, the late Harold Farapo. During the raid, he, in the company of others, allegedly shot the late Saleh Naime Tom, also known as Charlie Naime.

Court granted bail to Sheekiot after it found that the previous bail, which was allowed by a three-man Supreme Court bench, did not specifically state as a bail condition that he must not commit another offense whilst on bail.

Court also noted that Sheekiot was on official duty at Tatana whilst conducting investigations on a previous murder.

Four others have also been arrested and charged for the same allegation. Their cases are still undergoing the Committal Court process. 

Author: 
Sally Pokiton