The four University of Papua New Guinea students charged by police for illegally using a hire car in June, were cleared by the Waigani Committal Court this morning.
Brenden Kisa Jnr, Frank Luai, Elijah Nere and Divinal Marcus were relieved after Magistrate Cosmas Bidar handed down the decision.
The four accused appeared in person before Magistrate Cosmas Bidar at the Waigani Committal Court with their lawyer Laken Lepatu Aigilo.
They were arrested and charged by police in June this year at Baruni in the NCD for illegally using a vehicle belonging to Kikamaya Hire Car Company, during university strikes.
Lawyer Aigilo told EMTV news that the accused were returning from a nearby workshop at Baruni, when they were arrested and detained by police.
Magistrate Bidar ruled that these students were innocent, with the problem being with Minai Motors, a car dealer which the vehicle was bought from, and not the students.
He described the matter as malicious prosecution saying they were innocent before being arrested by police.
Brendan Kisa, who spoke on behalf of the students, said they were happy because justice has prevailed after the 5-month court battle.
The students will return to complete their studies at University of Papua New Guinea.
