Accused PNGDF officers to appear before court on murder charge

By Theckla Gunga in Port Moresby

The two PNG Defence Force officers charged with the wilful murder of late Zone Three police commander Andrew Tovere are expected to appear before the Waigani District Court for a second mention next month on June 25.

Both accused, 48-year-old Lieutenant Richard Ule and 31-year-old Sargent Supa James, appeared for arraignment Wednesday last week after they were handed over to police.

After their charges were read out by the District Court Magistrate, each obtained a warrant of remand and both transferred to the Bomana Correctional Centre.

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It is alleged that on May 9, Lieutenant Ule struck the late Tovere with a dried branch following a confrontation with a police officer known as John Martin at ATS Settlement.

Tovere was admitted to the Port Moresby General Hospital for treatment when he collapsed shortly after he was hit.

Tovere died on the evening of May 9 and his body is now at a funeral home.

Theckla Gunga of EMTV News is a graduate of the University of Papua New Guinea with majors in journalism and public relations. She reports on crime and court stories.