Namaliu committed for trial

The Waigani Committal Court found sufficient circumstantial evidence to commit him. 

The Waigani Committal Court went through statements of 18 witnesses including family, friends, investigating officers and medical reports.

Presiding Magistrate, Cosmos Bidar, said the statements and messages provided by witnesses showed that the late Ruby Laufa had an ongoing situation with the defendant Richard Namaliu.  

The Magistrate also pointed out the fact that there was no evidence put forward by the defendant on why he did not stop the car, both him and the deceased were travelling in, to let the deceased step out easily. 

Medical reports showed bruises on her body that according to her father was not sustain at home, prior to the Defendant picking her that same day.

The Magistrate said all there circumstantial evidence warrants for the Defendant to be committed to the National Court to stand trial.

The Magistrate ordered for the Defendant to appear at the Waigani National Court for listing on the 12th of February 2018.

He will remain on bail until he appears for listing.

Magistrate Bidar, however further explained that, while that is the Committal Court’s decision, once the case is committed to the National Court, the Public Prosecutor takes over prosecutions and it is up to them, whether they will present an indictment or not.

This means the Public Prosecutor will go through the evidences once again and will then decide whether to proceed with the case or not at the National Court.

Late Ruby Laufa’s sister, Sherridan Laufa, outside of Court was pleased with the Committal Court’s decision, and hopes for Justice to prevail at the National Court.

The former Miss Pacific Islands PNG 2012 -2013, Ruby Anne Laufa died on the 11th of February 2017, from injuries sustained from jumping out a moving vehicle.

Her boyfriend, Richard Namaliu was arrested on the 12th of July 2017 in relation to her death.