North West miner who stabbed drinking buddy with scissors charged with murder

A 24-year-old miner was on Friday remanded to prison by the Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for allegedly killing his drinking partner.

Oral Benjamin of Port Kaituma, North West District (NWD), was not required to plead to the capital offence.

It is alleged that Benjamin between February 23 and 24, 2020 at 14 Miles, Arakaka, NWD murdered Joseph Calistro, a 26-year-old miner of Port Kaituma.

He was unrepresented and was remanded to prison until March 12, 2020.

According to reports, on the day in question, Calistro and Benjamin were imbibing at a shop when a fight ensued.

It is alleged that Benjamin attempted to walk away but was pursued and assaulted by the victim who was armed with a pair of scissors.

Benjamin reportedly became annoyed, disarmed Calistro and wounded him with the scissors.

Calistro received medical attention at the Arakaka Health Centre and was sent away. However, he later returned to the facility with a breathing problem and was receiving oxygen when he succumbed.

His body bore a wound to the middle of the chest and another to the right arm.