Simbu man’s trial on alleged human trafficking to continue

A trial on allegations of human trafficking of 10 Motuans in 2015, by a businessman from Simbu Province, will continue in the National Court next month.

The trial against Willie Gare on six charges of human trafficking and one count of rape will continue after the court dismissed an application yesterday, which asked the court to acquit him of all the charges.

The trial against Gare commenced on 4 October at the Waigani National court with seven counts of human trafficking and one of rape.

He is answering to allegations he facilitated the recruitment and transportation of ten youths from Boera and Lealea villages to Kundiawa on 30 July, 2015, to perform at the opening of a lodge.

There they were allegedly used to entertain guests and one of the girls raped before escaping from the lodge, where IOM assisted in their repatriation.

At the close of the prosecution case, his lawyer moved an application, saying Gare has no case to answer to, as the state did not provide enough evidence and that one of the charges should be dropped as the victim was not called by prosecution to give evidence.

Justice Panuel Mogish acquitted Gare of one of the seven charges of human trafficking. He will now answer to only six charges of human trafficking and one of rape.

Justice Mogish, however, said the case brought by prosecution against Gare is not hopeless and that he has a case to answer to.

The trial will continue with the defense expected to give evidence. That trial will continue on November 26.

Author: 
Sally Pokiton