Yeipa Karu, a 33-year-old former security guard and unmarried father of six from Awinda, Lake Kopiago, Hela Province, has been sentenced to 18 years in Bomana Correctional Facility for manslaughter. He began serving in March, a reduced term of 14 years and 11 months for fatally stabbing 25-year-old Felix Yope during a fight at a canteen near a bus stop in 6-Mile, Port Moresby, as ruled by Justice Nicolas Miviri at Waigani's National Court. Both individuals hailed from the same district, with Karu residing in Saraga, Kopiago Block, at the time of the incident. According to the court, the deceased (Yope) had tried to intervene in a fight involving the prisoner, who was intoxicated, at a canteen, and the prisoner (Karu), thinking it was one of his attackers, turned around and punched the deceased in the mouth, and took out a ‘Rambo Knife’ which he swung at him, but the deceased held back the knife. The second time, the prisoner swung the knife straight, penetrating the top left chest of the deceased. The prisoner removed it and ran away realizing that he had stabbed the deceased who fell onto the concrete at the bus stop. Yope later died from the wound at Port Moresby General Hospital. During sentencing, Justice Miviri stressed the seriousness of the crime, underscoring the value of life and the prevalence of knife-related offenses. Despite Karu's plea of guilt and lack of prior convictions, the court deemed his actions premeditated and the use of a deadly weapon in a public area deserving of severe punishment, reflecting the gravity of the offense. The mother of the deceased interviewed in the presentence report tendered into Court, highlighted that, she was very angry at the behaviour of the prisoner - he was not an enemy and the K 16,000.00 that was paid was to restore peace and normalcy and not what was demanded of K 70, 000.00 to K 100, 000.00. The court noted that her reactions were normal given the situation. However, the court said in any case the prisoner has no means to pay any compensation. “What has been paid did not emanate from his pocket.” “He is the author of the crime but has not felt the pain of putting that money together.” “He must bear responsibility for his criminal behaviour.” “It is not the law that other persons not responsible for the behaviour are made to meet the blood as here.” “That is confirmed by the Means assessment report also filed of the same date 05th March 2024.” “There is nothing within to sway any other sentence other than a strong custodial term because no amount of money will bring that life back. It is sacred and sanctified and must be accorded its place in the Constitution, section 35 Right to life.” Karu's mistaken belief that Yope was one of his attackers did not mitigate his accountability for what he had done; the court noted that Yope was merely trying to help Karu and was not threatening him. Karu's decision to repeatedly stab Yope, ultimately causing his death, demonstrated a flagrant disregard for human life, the court noted. “He (Yope) was only 25 years old at the time of his death…he had a long life ahead that was prematurely terminated by the prisoner…he did not prompt the prisoner (Karu) to attack him.” “He (Yope) was not in a threatening situation against the prisoner…he (Yope) was merely trying to help the prisoner… It was therefore not warranted to attack him with that knife.” The court also considered Karu's personal circumstances, including his remorse, lack of prior criminal record, and the support of his church community, but noted that these factors did not outweigh the seriousness of the offense. In delivering the sentence, Justice Miviri underscored the need for deterrence and accountability in addressing violent crimes, particularly in a public area. “…the immediate scene is a public bus stop frequented by publicans…No men should be attacked in a public area in this manner.” “To so attack in this manner is manifestly equivalent to the ever-prevalent behavior rampant to seriously defy the rule of law.” “The safety and security of all members of the public must be guaranteed by fear of the law.” “It seems there is no fear and observance of the rule of law.” “Bold is the fact that the law has become lame and disabled with no armour to ensure its rules.” “Violent crimes have no place in society, and the Court is bestowed by the legislature to ensure there is adherence respect for the rule of law.” “Therefore, criminal behaviour must be weeded out of its roots.”