by Vasinatta Yama – EM TV News, Port Moresby
Two more Papua New Guinea Defence Force soldiers have been arrested on mutiny charges.
They appeared for mention at the Waigani National Court today.
The two join eleven soldiers arrested last year for the same charge.
All thirteen appeared before Justice Allan David.
The Court heard that investigations conducted by the Lawyers representing the State were almost completed, they are yet to get supporting evidence from State witnesses.
The witnesses are in Lae, Mt Hagen and Tari.
An investigation team representing the State will be going to these towns to conduct further investigations.
On the other end, Lawyers representing the soldiers, who are from the Public Solicitors office, objected to the submissions, stating that the prolonged investigations, is affecting the lives of the soldiers, because they have been put off payroll for over three months.
Following the argument, Judge David directed the State Lawyers to speed up the investigations.
He has given them a month to complete their findings and present them in Court on March 15.
Judge David said if the investigations are not completed on time, then PNGDF Lawyers will make appropriate submissions on the delay.
The thirteen were charged for misconduct while on duty.
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