Police still investigating Erima murder case

Crime Investigation Detectives in Port Moresby are still investigating the murder of a man who was allegedly killed by a cop at Erima in July last year.

The defendant, suspended police officer Steven Numbos of East Sepik Province, returned to the Waigani Committal Court today for a brief mention of his case.

His case was further adjourned to April 4 after police prosecution gave an update to the court on the progress of the case.

The 44-year-old was formally arrested and charged with wilful murder on Dec 30, 2016.

Police allege Numbos shot a man, known to the court as Ija Mulugu, using a high-powered rifle on July 22, 2016.

It is alleged he pushed the deceased into a drain at the side of the road at the Erima Wildlife settlement after he shot him twice. The man died instantly.

The incident allegedly took place between 3.30 and 4pm after he, in the company of other police officers, chased a suspected stolen motor vehicle, a blue utility Toyota Land Cruiser.

Summary of facts before court states that CID homicide members’ investigations revealed the vehicle chased was not a stolen motor vehicle but was involved in smuggling betelnut into the city.

Numbos denied his involvement in the shooting when he was arrested.

He was arrested five months after the alleged offense was committed following internal investigations by police internal affairs.

Author: 
Sally Pokiton