Coroner’s inquest into Albaniel’s death starts

A coroner’s inquest has commenced at the Waigani District Court into the death of Post-Courier’s Rosalyn Albaniel.

The inquest is to determine the cause of death of the Business Editor, who was allegedly subject to domestic violence by her husband.

Police prosecutors handing the inquest indicated 23 witnesses were identified from police investigations that were compiled from the autopsy.

The autopsy was conducted by lead pathologist of Port Moresby General Hospital Dr Seth Fose, 10 days after Albaniel’s passing. 

She died on October 15 last year after a short illness. 

Summons were issued on 29 May for those witnesses to appear in court yesterday (May 31st), to give their evidence and also be cross-examined in court. However only a few were served the summons by police.

Yesterday morning, Post-Courier’s Nellie Setepano, who has known Albaniel for 27 years, appeared in court as a witness.

An emotional Setepano gave her account of how she took Albaniel in whenever she ran away from home after a beating from her husband.

She was one of the first to go to the hospital on 15 October last year after receiving that dreaded phone call from a colleague.

Two other Post-Courier reporters were summoned to appear in court as witnesses however, they were not present. 

Magistrate Mekeo Gauli said those served summons who failed to comply can be penalized for non-compliance. 

The Post-Courier’s company nurse and other relatives were also summoned by the Coroner’s court to go and assist the inquiry.

Author: 
Sally Pokiton