Woitape man arrested and charged for murder

Being charged for murder is an offense that is punishable by death under the new Death Penalty act.

Magistrate Cosmas Bidar sounded the warning when reading to court the allegations against a Woitape man from Central Province who was arrested and charged over the murder of another man at the Kone Tigers oval in Waigani last month.

Alex Kelei appeared at the Waigani District Court on Friday where his charge was read and explained to him in court.

Kelei was arrested over allegations he chopped a man on both his legs during a fight at the oval on Aug 27.

The court was told that witnesses saw Kelei joined the fight with a bush knife and cut both legs of the man, Thomas Karako, who is now deceased.  

Appearing from custody at Bomana, Kelei was told his case is still fresh at this stage and police will need time to investigate the allegation against him.

“Police will need time to investigate with further with the aid of photographic evidence, witness statements and medical reports so you will wait some time.

“You have a right to a lawyer but the District Court does not allow bail. If you want bail, talk to a lawyer and apply to the National Court,”Bidar said.

Kelei will return to court on Nov 10.

Author: 
Sally Pokiton