UPNG students’ case dismissed

A case against four University of Papua New Guinea students before the Waigani Committal Court has been dismissed.

Magistrate Cosmas Bidar today dismissed the case because police could not prove the students unlawfully used a vehicle on June 24 this year.

The case against Brendan Kisa, Elizah Nere, Divina Marus and Frank Luwai was dismissed after police prosecution brought before the attention of the court that the students used the vehicle with the consent of the owner.

The vehicle was on hire and the students were genuine customers at the time it was used.

They were charged on June 27 for the unlawful use of a motor vehicle.

Police alleged that the students were in possession of a stolen motor vehicle, a Toyota Sedan reg no. SAC 625 on June 24, and used it without the consent of the owner – an allegation the students denied from their time of arrest through their lawyer.

They said consent was obtained from the owner of the vehicle.

The court today ordered a refund of their K500 bail monies.

(Loop PNG file picture of the students and their lawyer in August this year) 

Author: 
Sally Pokiton