Jeffery Sheekiot

Magistrate Cosmas Bidar today ordered the committal of Jeffery Sheekiot of Madang Province to the National Court for trial.

The order came after the committal court considered Sheekiot’s statement in response to its earlier ruling last month. The court then ruled there was enough evidence for his case to go for trial.

Justice George Manuhu of the Waigani National Court today gave an oral ruling against Jeffery Sheekiot of Madang Province, after he was convicted for one count of wilful murder.

In sentencing him to 30 years, Justice Manuhu took into account that he is a policeman that the public look up to for protection.

He also said the killing of citizens by members of the police force is already prevalent, when sentencing Sheekiot.

Magistrate Cosmas Bidar yesterday morning ruled there was enough evidence in the case against Jeffery Sheekiot of Madang Province to commit his case to the National Court.

But before his case can be committed, Magistrate Bidar allowed his lawyer to address the court on it finding sufficient evidence against him.

He will return to court on July 19 where his lawyer will make submission on section 96 statement.

He was arrested on July 28, 2016, in Port Moresby and charged with wilful murder.

Justice George Manuhu asked for a Pre-Sentence report to be compiled and brought to court before July 21.

This report will assist the court in deciding what jail term it should impose against Jeffery Sheekiot.

Sheekiot was convicted in May over the shooting of Feline Bune along the Waigani drive, opposite Boroko Motors, while in the company of other officers on 19 April 2013.

The vehicle driven by the victim’s mother was believed to be stolen by the police officers’ Sheekiot was in the company of.

Following a trial, the Waigani National Court convicted Jeffery Sheekiot of Sumusamu village, Bogia, Madang Province, for one count of wilful murder.

The court found that Sheekiot, while in the company of other officers on 19 April 2013, shot Feline Bune, a 12-year-old girl, during a car chase between 7pm and 9pm.

Police were under the impression the vehicle, driven by the mother of the deceased, was stolen after they saw it being chased by another private vehicle along the Waigani drive opposite Boroko Motors.

He said the Court must also be mindful of this and treat people differently due to risks involved when detained.

He made these comments when he allowed K1000 bail this afternoon (Friday) for the fifth accused that was arrested and charged for his alleged involvement in the Tatana shooting on January 17, 2015.

The court used its discretion in granting bail to 33-year-old Jeffery Sheekiot of Sumusamu village, Bogia, Madang Province, after his lawyer appeared before the National Court this morning and moved a bail application.

38-year-old Jeffery Sheekiot of Sumusamu village, Bogia, Madang, and his lawyers appeared before Justice Sir Bernard Sakora this morning where a bail application was moved. A decision is expected at 2.30pm today.

He was arrested on July 28 in Port Moresby and has been in custody since.

He is now asking the court for bail on the main ground that he has been a police officer for 10 years and there will be a likelihood of threats against him while in custody.