The eight people, including two women, who are facing attempted murder charges in relation to the Eight-Mile sorcery case, remain in police custody.
The two women are from Marawaka in Eastern Highlands Province.
The Waigani Committal Court is still not satisfied that the safety of the victim, Margaret Siba, from Chimbu, will be guaranteed if the defendants are let out on bail.
Almen Sana, Pangume Jethro, Morris Alla, Jennet Alla, Nancy Allan, Mani Koi, Kenneth Philip and Iso Birame all returned before Deputy Chief Magistrate, Dessie Magaru today.
Early this week they asked the court for bail, which was refused after the court expressed concerns of the safety of the victim if the defendants are released on bail.
Taitus Paleko, a village court magistrate from the Erima-Five-Mile area, who is also the chairman of Eastern Highlands mediation team in NCD, and Dari Sio – community leader for Eight-Mile, who were to act as guarantors for the eight, appeared in court today.
They gave the court assurance that the victim and her family will not be interfered with and that talks are now ongoing with the community in Eight-Mile to compensate the victim.
However, police prosecution objected bail and maintained that the 8 should not be allowed bail till hand up brief is produced in court.
Sergeant John Wamuru said even if bail is allowed, he proposed for each to pay K1,000 and the guarantors put K500 upfront with strict bail conditions issued by the court.
The investigating officer was also in court. She said previous allegations had been raised against the victim, which resulted in her relocating to Eight-Mile.
While she remains in hospital, it was made known to the court that the victim and her husband had sold the land at Eight-Mile and moved out since the incident.
"At this stage court is not satisfied after it came to light that this is the second allegation against the victim. I will not grant bail as yet until the arresting officer confirms with court of where victim will be after she is released from hospital,” Deputy Chief Magistrate Magaru said.
“It’s a case involving sorcery allegations which is on the increase and how can the courts help address that?
“These problems are on the rise and bail cannot be granted easily. I will adjourn for another 14 days.
“You are entitled to bail but the court must be satisfied on the safety of the victim should bail be granted,” Mrs Magaru added.
The case returns to court next month.