Court denies police officers request to remain at Boroko Cells

The Waigani Committal Court today has denied a request by Constable Danny Karayo and his co-accused to be held at the Boroko Police cells.

This follows their appearance in court over their alleged involvement in the rape of a young woman at the Saraga Police Post seven days ago.

Constables Danny Karayo and Jerry Aura, are facing charges of unlawful deprivation of liberty and rape. Third officer auxiliary constable Soweto Maima, who remains at large, is also facing similar charges.

During the hearing, constable Karayo, who has a prior rape conviction from 2009, made a verbal appeal on behalf of the group, requesting that they be held at Boroko instead of the Bomana Correctional Facility. He cited the sensitivity of the case and mounting disciplinary pressure as reasons for their preferred holding location.

However, police prosecutor Peter Samghy objected, explaining that Boroko cells are only for suspects with fresh cases and not for detainees awaiting court dates.

Magistrate Albert Daniels supported the prosecutor’s stance and ruled that all three officers be transferred to Bomana.

He informed the defendants that if they wish to return to Boroko, a formal application must be submitted through their legal counsel.

The charges stem from an alleged incident on June 3, 2025, when the victim and her boyfriend were reportedly picked up at the Manu bus stop by the officers in a police-marked blue 10-seater vehicle. They were taken to the Saraga Police Post, where the woman was allegedly raped by Karayo, Aura, and Maima.

According to the police summary, the officer-in-charge, Sergeant Carl Yori [identified as the fourth officer] was reportedly present within the station during the time of the alleged incident but did not intervene.

The case has been adjourned to August 11, 2025, for further proceedings.