By Theckla Gunga – EMTV News, Port Moresby
The Waigani Committal Court will hand down a verdict on the murder case involving six PNG Defence Force (PNGDF) soldiers.
Magistrate John Kaumi said July 28 will be the date he will make a ruling.
The ruling will determine whether the case goes for a trial at the National Court, or is dismissed at the Committal Court level.
The six accused are Francis Nasi, Jude Nidung, David Tappe, Kenneth Yangun, Tabias Samson, Gregory Tuaki and Alwin Matiabe.
They are between the ages of 25 and 26 and are into their second year with the PNGDF.
This morning their lawyer, Ignatius Mambei, made oral submissions on the insufficiency of evidence.
The police prosecution is expected to make a response to this submission before the date of the verdict.
The six were charged for murder in August 2015. They were accused of bashing the late Jeremiah Yinu, who later died at the Port Moresby General Hospital as a result of the assault.
The Committal Court struck out their case in March because of a lack of evidence submitted in court.
They were rearrested in April following new evidence being gathered, with all six currently out on bail under strict conditions.
The argument that is before the committal court is whether there is enough evidence to commit the accused for a trial at the National Court.
However, if the court does not find enough evidence, the case will be dismissed and the charges will be dropped.
