Riki Kali in court

Meri Manus singer, Riki Kali, has been appearing at the Waigani District Court after he was arrested and charged with wilful and unlawful damage he allegedly caused to a motor vehicle.

Ironically, the owner of the vehicle is from Manus.

Kali returned to court on Thursday. After a brief appearance, his case was adjourned to June 22.

In the meantime, the police prosecution will be giving his hand up brief, the files containing the police investigations, to the office of the Public Prosecutor.

The Public Prosecutor will then decide through what is called an election, if the case should proceed to trial in the grade 5 court and be dealt with summarily or go through the Committal Court process.

The 28-year-old from Kelekapana village, Abau, Central Province, was arrested and charged on 27 January 2017. He was charged under section 444 (1) of the criminal Code Act.

Police allege that on 30 November, 2016, Kali wilfully damaged the right side back window of a Ford Everest, the property of Lomot Kanawi.

According to the summary of facts before the court, Kali, who is Kanawi’s de facto husband, had an argument with her when he picked up a piece of metal and threw it at her. She took cover and the metal hit the back window of the door.

When questioned at the station, he said it was an accident.

He returns to court on June 22.

Author: 
Sally Pokiton