Sorcery victim released from hospital

The elderly Simbu woman who was beaten and tortured on January 4 over sorcery allegations has been released from hospital, a court has been told.

Husband of the victim, Mathias Siba, told a District Court sitting at Bomana today that she has been discharged from hospital but is still unable to walk.

Margaret Siba, in her 60s, requires aid from her family members to move around in the house, including going to the toilet.

She was released from the Port Moresby General Hospital last Wednesday and now resides at Morata One with her son.

The place at Eight-Mile, Port Moresby, which they once called home, was burnt down, Siba told the court.

Almen Sana, Pagume Jethro, Morris Alla, Jennet Alla, Nancy Allan, Mani Koi, Kenneth Philip and Iso Birame, all from Eastern Highlands Province, returned before Deputy Chief Magistrate, Dessie Magaru today.

Mathias, his son and a community leader from Morata, Peter Mal, today asked the court not to release the eight defendants, including two women.

Despite the eight giving assurance they will not attack the victim if released, the court was not satisfied and asked if community leaders can go to court next week and act as guarantors for their bail application.

They remain in remand at Bomana.

Author: 
Sally Pokiton