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Court delays pre-trial in case of man accused of exposing himself to girls, 13 and 14

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A gavel rests on sounding block next to a brass scale of justice in front of a long row of law books on a desk in a law office. Photographed with a very shallow depth of field.

BY ROMINAH FAKA

The case involving a man who exposed his private parts to two children, aged 13 and 14, in 2022 was adjourned yesterday to allow the defense counsel obtain further instruction from defendant before the Pre-Trial Conference (PTC) is conducted.

Court granted the request during mention yesterday and adjourned the matter to June 16 for the PTC.

The court also extended bail for the defendant.

The defendant’s lawyer informed the court that the defendant had failed to attend her office after the last mention. Just the day before the court appearance, she managed to speak with him outside the courtroom and requested additional time to obtain further instructions.

The defendant, a 40-year-old man whose name is withheld to protect the identity of the victims, has been charged with two counts of indecent acts and has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The complainants are two vulnerable children, aged 13 and 14 at the time of the incident.

The alleged offense occurred on March 21, 2022, in Isabel.

 Both complainants were walking past a house when the defendant called out to them. They approached him while he was drinking a cup of tea.

The complainants sat at the door of the defendant’s house, and he then exposed his private body part to them and forced them to look at it.

Police also alleged that the defendant showed his private body part not only to these two complainants but also to several other girls, and he showed pornographic videos to the young girls as well.

Both victims were unhappy with what the defendant did, so they reported the matter to the police, and an investigation was then carried out. The defendant was then charged with the offense of indecent acts without consent.

Francisca Luza appears for the crown, and Bethsaida Kere acted for the defendant.

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Fraud case adjourned to June 18 for prosecution update

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The Magistrate Court yesterday adjourned the case involving three individuals accused of fraud to 18 June 2025.

On that date, the prosecution is expected to update the court on its position regarding the review of evidence and whether it intends to proceed to trial. Counsels will also indicate their availability for setting a trial date.

During the appearance yesterday, the prosecution informed the court that Pre-Trial Conferences (PTC) had already been conducted for two of the defendants, except for Joe Rex Raukaniu.

The trio—Joe Rex Raukaniu, Elsie Vamily Nagive, and Shirly Fa’aitoa—are charged with one count of false pretence for allegedly obtaining money from individuals by falsely recruiting them for seasonal work in Australia.

All three defendants pleaded not guilty, and the prosecution indicated it will call six witnesses during the trial.

Joe Rex Raukaniu is also separately charged with two additional counts of false pretence.

The prosecution further informed the court that issues previously raised by the court had yet to be discussed with the Director of Public Prosecutions. As a result, the prosecution sought an adjournment to allow time for consultation and to provide an update at the next court mention.

According to police, on two separate occasions in February 2023, Joe Rex, along with his two agents, allegedly informed two separate complainants that they were recruiting workers for seasonal jobs in Australia.

It is alleged that Joe Rex took $2,500 from the first complainant, and—together with Elsie and Shirly—took $2,300 from the second complainant.

After receiving the money, the accused allegedly told the complainants they would be updated on the status of their applications for seasonal work. However, no further updates were provided as promised.

The complainants then lodged formal complaints with the police.

Selwyn Vaike is prosecuting the case. A private lawyer is representing Joe Rex, while Public Solicitors are representing Nagive and Fa’aitoa.

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Man pleads guilty to stealing gold ashes

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

A man accused of stealing gold ashes last year pleaded guilty in court yesterday.

Peter Olben pleaded guilty to one count of simple larceny. He was charged alongside two other individuals, Max Gura and Mirriam Keni Sasau (a couple), in connection with the theft of gold ashes.

The matter was adjourned to 24 June 2025 for sentencing and mitigation submissions for Olben, and for a Pre-Trial Conference (PTC) for his co-accused, Max Gura and Mirriam Keni Sasau.

Max Gura and Mirriam Keni Sasau were jointly charged with one count of simple larceny and one count of possession of police property. Both pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Peter Olben was charged separately with one count of simple larceny and pleaded guilty to the charge.

The allegations stem from an incident that occurred on 24 September 2024, when the principal accused, Peter Olben, allegedly stole eight plastic bags of gold ashes weighing 8,992.10 grams.

On 26 September 2024, Max Gura allegedly transported Olben in his vehicle to help him evade police and hid him at his village in Guadalcanal.

It is further alleged that Gura received a portion of the stolen gold ashes from Olben after dropping him off at the hideout.

The third accused, Mirriam Keni Sasau, allegedly sold a portion of the stolen gold ashes and collected approximately $160,000, which she then returned to her husband, Gura, and Olben.

Police also allege that Olben gave Gura and his wife, Keni Sasau, an additional $10,000.

On 3 October 2024, Mrs. Keni Sasau was intercepted by officers from Henderson Police at the Henderson area while attempting to sell another plastic bag containing gold ashes, which she had received from Gura and Olben.

Olben later escaped to Auki and handed the remaining gold ashes to Gura, who sought a buyer. Gura allegedly sold the gold ashes in portions.

Police investigations later discovered that Gura had used the proceeds to purchase several vehicles and distributed them among his family members. He is alleged to have bought a three-door RAV4, a two-tone vehicle, and a Hilux, all of which were shipped to Auki.

Gura and Keni Sasau are also alleged to have purchased a piece of land at Tasahe B, where they are currently building a home.

On 5 December 2024, police executed a search warrant at the residence of Gura and Sasau in Lunga.

During the search, officers reportedly found a small Szeba bottle containing several grams of gold ashes, $6,317.60 in cash, and small medicine-like plastic containers used to store and weigh gold ashes, which still contained gold residue.

Police also discovered police uniforms and other property belonging to the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF).

Iete Tebakota from the Police Prosecution Department is prosecuting the case. Donation Houa of PSO is representing Max Gura, Syvia Pitamama is acting for Peter Olben, and Roria Sikua is representing Mirriam Keni Sasau.

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Court acquits police officer of bribery charge

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A gavel rests on sounding block next to a brass scale of justice in front of a long row of law books on a desk in a law office. Photographed with a very shallow depth of field.

BY ROMINAH FAKA

THE magistrate court acquitted one of two police officers accused of bribery due to insufficient evidence on Friday, May 23.

Principal Magistrate Emily Zazariko Vagibule Pakoa granted the prosecution’s application to withdraw the bribery charge against Gravis Afuga, acquitting him of the charge.

Prosecution made the application to withdraw the charge under section 190 (2)(b) (i) of the Criminal Procedural Code to acquit Afuga due to insufficient evidence.

This leaves Allen Noni facing two counts of bribery.

Trial period for this matter was set for June 23-27.

Friday’s appearance was also for an interim mention for Allen Noni’s matter.

Both prosecution and defence told court they had no issues to raise.

Noni’s matter will return to court on July 15 for the next interim mention date.

Noni was charged with two counts of bribery contrary to section 122 (a) of the Penal Code, with section 21 (a) of the Penal Code.

On November 8, 2024 an investigation of stolen gold ashes was in progress.

Prosecution alleged that Noni contacted the General Police Station leading investigator of the gold case and allegedly bribed him with a sum of $10,000 in return for the investigator to leave out the investigation file of accused Max Gura regarding the gold ashes.

This meeting between defendant Noni and the leading investigator at Town Ground was witnessed by two other officers.

On November 12, 2024, the Central Police Station leading investigator received another call from defendant Noni.

It was alleged during the conversation between the leading investigator and Noni, Noni held into his bag and bribed the leading investigator again with another $20,000.

The investigator went back to the Central Police Station and updated their supervisor about what Noni had done and recorded the money as exhibits.

Later Noni was arrested and charged with bribery.

Jeremy Oiofa from Office of Director of Public Prosecution is Prosecuting and Donation Houa from the Public Solicitor Office act for defendants Noni.

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UNDP provides agriculture training for women market vendors in Kwara’ae

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

A group of 37 women market vendors from Busurata and Gwailiki communities in Central and West Kwara’ae constituencies of Malaita province, have benefited from a four-day agriculture training on post-harvest management and pest and disease control.

A statement from Malaita Issues says the training was supported by UNDP through its Market for Change (M4C) project in partnership with Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock,  supported by Auki Market Vendors Association and Auki Town Council.

The training aimed to enhance productivity, promote sustainable farming practices and empower women economically and was held in Central Kwara’ae.

Participants attended the training ranged from 24 to 69 years of age and have varying market experience with some having sold produce for over 30 years.

Despite this, the statement added that only 22% kept farm records, while many haven’t been  exposed to structured agricultural training before. Most earned between SBD 10,000 and 20,000 annually, though incomes ranged from SBD 1,000 to 50,000.

The training covered essential farming techniques to reduce produce damage, maintain food quality and manage crop diseases using locally available and organic solutions.

It also included practical diagnosis of diseased plants, hands-on learning with natural pest control methods and education on minimizing post-harvest damage.

“Learning about post-harvest techniques opened my eyes to how proper handling can improve the quality of our produce,” said one Busurata vendor. “I can’t wait to apply these practices!”

“Before the training, I didn’t know about ‘post-harvest’ practices. We used to handle our crops carelessly, which reduced our sales. Now, I understand how crucial it is to manage them properly after harvest,” another vendor said.

The project, which is currently in its second phase is a regional program operating in Fiji, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands. It focuses on strengthening the socio-economic security of women vendors by supporting access to training, financial literacy and essential services.

Mr Patrick Tuimalealiifano, the Inclusive Growth Team Leader at UNDP Pacific Office, highlighted the project’s broader goal by emphasizing UNDP’s commitment to leverage strategic partnerships to empower rural market vendors.

“By integrating sustainability with economic resilience, we ensure that women entrepreneurs have the tools and knowledge they need to thrive. Topics included vegetable management, plant health, soil care and fertilizer application,” he said.

Participants recommended further support through access to tools and seeds, while many called for ongoing training to reinforce the knowledge gained.

The UNDP M4C project continues to play a critical role in promoting food security, sustainable agriculture and financial stability for women in rural communities across the Pacific.

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Mixed economic performance in April: CBSI

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BY NED GAGAHE

The Solomon Islands’ domestic economy recorded mixed outcomes in April 2025, according to the latest Monthly Economic Bulletin released by the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI).

CBSI’s monthly production index dropped by 3 points to 103, largely due to sharp decline in agriculture cash crops. Palm oil production fell by 26% to 1,862 tons, while coconut oil plunged by 43% to 334 tons.

However, growth was noted in several other sectors. Forestry rose by 11 points, mining increased by 5 points and fishing edged up by 1 point.

Round log production surged by 41% to 104,854 cubic meters, gold output increased by 27% to 8,498 ounces, and fish catch rose 8% to 1,786 tons. Copra production climbed 41% to 409 tons, while cocoa output tripled to 187 tons.

The commodity price index rose 4 points to 105.5, reflecting strong gains in key export prices. Gold jumped 8% to US$3,218 per ounce, coconut oil rose 5% to US$2,483 per ton, and round logs increased 4% to US$207 per cubic meter. Timber prices rose 2% to US$717 per cubic meter and cocoa prices edged up 1% to US$8,150 per ton. Fish prices remained unchanged at US$1,649 per ton.

On the consumer side, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) fell to 127.1 points in March 2025, reflecting lower prices for vegetables, betel-nut, tobacco and non-alcoholic drinks. Headline inflation eased to 2.4%, down from 3.6% in February, driven by a drop in domestic inflation. Imported inflation slightly rose to 1.7%, while core inflation held steady at 0.9%.

Meanwhile, the CBSI Monthly Price Index rose to 116.4 points in April, up from 114.5 in March, driven by higher prices for rice, electricity, and betel-nut. A 40lb bag of Solrice now costs $155.25, electricity tariffs increased to $7.09 per kWh, and betel-nut rose to $1.88 per nut.

Fuel prices dropped to $10.08 per litre, while LP gas remained unchanged at $31.86 per kilogram.

Despite challenges in agriculture, sectors like forestry, mining and fishing showed resilience, supported by firm global commodity prices. The easing of inflation also brought some relief to local consumers.

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15 nationals to receive medals on King’s Birthday

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BY NED GAGAHE

A total of 15 recipients will be honoured with medals during the King’s Birthday celebrations this Friday, 13 June, at the National Stadium in Honiara.

This was revealed by Government House in preparation for the national event.

Governor General Sir David Tiva Kapu, will officiate the Honours and Awards ceremony, which is a key highlight of the King’s Birthday celebrations.

The awards are granted based on nominations submitted to the Honours and Awards Committee, which is responsible for recommending recipients for approval by Buckingham Palace. The honours recognise long and dedicated service to the country across various sectors.

Among this year’s recipients:

  • One individual will be conferred a Knight of the British Empire (KBE)
  • One recipient will be appointed a Commander of the British Empire (CBE)
  • Three will receive the title of Officer of the British Empire (OBE)
  • Seven will be made Members of the British Empire (MBE)
  • Three others will receive the British Empire Medal (BEM) and the King’s Police Medal

The King’s Birthday is a public holiday and is considered one of the most significant national events of the year. Celebrations will begin with a police parade and marching band performance at the National Stadium, followed by a formal speech from the Governor General.

The Governor General will also preside over the pardoning of one inmate, as part of the official ceremony.

The King’s Official Birthday is traditionally celebrated in June in most Commonwealth realms, including Solomon Islands, although it does not correspond with the actual birth date of the monarch.

Since gaining Independence in 1978, the Solomon Islands has continued to observe the monarch’s official birthday in recognition of the King as Head of State, represented locally by the Governor General.

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Christafari Gospel band rocks Honiara

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BY NED GAGAHE

Hundreds of fans gathered at Kukum Field for a powerful night of praise, worship and reggae music as internationally renowned Gospel reggae band Christafari lit up the capital with their high-energy performance.

Despite the cancellation of the first show due to heavy downpour, spirits remained high and last night’s concert more than made up for the delay.

“Wow, what a night! It’s so good to see Christians freely coming together to sing, dance and worship. Most times, only secular bands visit our country. But tonight is the most beautiful night ever,” said one elated concertgoer.

The award-winning, Billboard-charting artists officially announced their return to the Solomon Islands this month, with flights finalized and equipment ready for their Melanesian outreach tour.

Christafari kicked off their regional tour in Vanuatu before heading to the Solomons, where they will minister from June 8 to June 16.

The band has confirmed performances and second concert in Honiara on June 15 and in Malaita on June 12 and 13 at the APS Field.

“We’re beyond excited to return to one of our favorite nations,” said Pastor Mark Mohr, founder and lead vocalist of Christafari.

“It’s been six years since our last visit and as we enter our 35th year of ministry, the Solomon Islands was at the top of our list. The people, the passion, the fruit—we couldn’t stay away!”

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36 candidates selected for forklift driving training

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BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

A total of 36 candidates from the Labour Mobility Unit (LMU) have been selected from the work-ready pool to participate in a specialized forklift driving training program.

This initiative is delivered by Hasting Deerings PNG-SI in partnership with LMU-SI and is funded through the Australian Solomon Islands Support System Program.

The training program is conducted by Hasting Deerings PNG Cat (Caterpillar) Forklift Trainer Igo Baru, who emphasized that this training represents a significant opportunity for the candidates.

“This is a great opportunity for these candidates not only to pursue skills in forklift driving overseas but also to return home with qualifications that will benefit them in the future,” he said.

Anneth Taemani, a female candidate and participant from cohort 2, expressed her gratitude towards Hasting Deerings PNG-SI for providing this valuable training.

“Massive appreciations go to those who work behind the scenes to ensure we had the opportunity for free without any financial challenges,” Taemani said.

Baru, who has extensive experience in delivering similar training in Honiara over the years, explained that the candidates are divided into six groups, each receiving a maximum of three days of training that includes both theoretical and practical sessions.

“The training is expected to conclude on June 27, depending on how quickly the candidates grasp the basic principles of forklift operation,” he added.

The candidates were selected based on specific criteria, including English comprehension skills and possession of a valid driving license.

Hasting Deering SI Manager, Matt Pacey expressed his satisfaction with the collaboration, wishing the candidates the best in their training, which will resume this week at the Hasting Deerings PNG-SI compound located at the KGVI Industrial site.

Meanwhile, the first cohort of six candidates completed their training last week, while the second cohort commenced on Friday and will continue today.

Hasting Deering employs over 300 staff across five business centers throughout Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.

Their locations include Port Moresby, Lae, Kimbe, Lihir Island, Tabubil, and Honiara.

The company specializes in selling, renting and supporting Caterpillar machinery and power systems, offering unmatched parts distribution and technical expertise.

Hasting Deering is recognized as one of the largest Cat dealers in the Asia-Pacific region, with Cat (Caterpillar) forklifts being a well-regarded brand in the material handling industry.

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Red Cross Malaita supports family

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Red Cross Malaita Branch in Auki has supported a family at Fiolo village in West Kwaio, Malaita province, after they lost their house to a fire incident early last month.

In a statement from Malaita Issues, the fire is allegedly to have started from a mobile phone battery that was being charged directly from a solar panel.

When the incident happened, according to Red Cross Malaita, the owner of the house Mr Pio Mato’omae was away working in his coconut plantation.

Mr Mato’omae lost all his belongings in the incident, as the fire completely destroyed his house.

The Ward Supporting Officer for provincial ward 26, Mr Elvis Godwin brought information on his tragic incident to Red Cross Malaita office in Auki and requested emergency assistance on behalf of Mato’omae and his family.

In response, the Red Cross Malaita provided essential Non-Food Items (NFIs) to support the family’s immediate needs.

The items included a tarpaulin, shelter kit, blankets, bucket, collapsible water container, hygiene kit, kitchen set, and mosquito net.

Branch Coordinator of Red Cross Malaita Branch, Ms Elizabeth Oge handed over the relief items to Mr Godwin on behalf of Mr Mato’omae.

Godwin expressed his appreciation to Malaita Red Cross for their swift response and support, describing it as a timely intervention during a period of great hardship for the affected family.

The Red Cross Malaita Branch continues to uphold its commitment to serving communities in times of crisis.

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