Cop committed for trial over attempted murder claim

A police officer has been committed to stand trial at the National Court over allegations of attempted murder and armed robbery of a UPNG lecturer at the Manu Service Station back in 2014.

Gabriel Gal of Minji, Jiwaka, was arrested on 6 September 2017 and charged with the armed robbery and attempted murder of Francis Essy on 4 November 2014, while in the company of other police officers.

Essy was returning from a birthday party with three students around 3am when he was assaulted and robbed, allegedly by Gal and others while trying to get fuel at the Manu Service Station.

He identified Gal as the person who punched him in the face and hit his head with a stone.

The policemen allegedly went into Essy’s vehicle and took his wallet, mobile phone and car keys, driving off with his vehicle while he was left lying on the cement of the service station, bleeding.

He was later rushed to the hospital by another driver who came to refill at the service station.

Magistrate Mekeo Gauli, in weighing out the evidence, said there was enough to put the case for trial in the Waigani National Court.

Author: 
Sally Pokiton