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Investigation in gold dust case yet to complete

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

Investigation into the case of a couple charged over their involvement in stolen gold dust and having in their possession the property of Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) is yet to complete.

Max Gura and Miriam Keni Sasau were charged together with one count of simple larceny and one count of possessing police property.

Friday last week, the police prosecutor Smith Abuo informs the court that there were four witnessed statements which police yet to obtain.

The defence counsel for Gura informed court he had received disclosures from prosecution.

He also confirmed that he will represent Gura.

Keni Sasau is yet to be represented.

The matter was adjourned to January 31 for prosecution to update court on the status of the investigations.

Remand for Gura was extended and bail for Keni Sasau also extended.

Police alleged on September 24, 2024, the complainant and his sister boarded their vehicle together with the prime suspect and drove to the Bread Bank at Kukum to do a deposit.

This deposit was part of the facilitation process to export their 8992.10 grammes of gold ashes.

The allegation further stated that the gold ashes was owned by the complainant and his family, which they decided to export overseas.

On their arrival at Bread Bank the complainant and his sister went inside the bank while the prime suspect waited in the vehicle.

After several minutes passed, complainant sister came out of the bank and noticed that the suspect was not in the vehicle. She allegedly looked for the bag that contained the 8,992.10 grammes of gold ashes but it was missing. She then tried to look for the prime suspect but did not see him anywhere around. So, she went back inside the bank and told her brother the complainant.

The complainant and his sister search for the prime suspect and tried to contact him however, his phone was switched off. There they believed the suspect escape with the bag of gold ashes.

On September 26, 2024 defendant Max Gura transported the prime suspect in his vehicle to escape from the police and hid her at his village in Guadalcanal.

The allegation stated, Gura alleged to receive a portion of the stolen gold ashes from the prime suspect and his wife after he drop him off at his hideout.

Police also alleged that later on defendant Keni Sasau sold a portion of gold which she alleged to collect an amount of $ 160,000 and return the monies to her husband Gura and the prime suspect.

The prime suspect then gave Gura and his wife Keni Sasau an amount of $ 10,000.

On the 3rd of October 2024, defendant Keni Sasau was intercepted by the Police Officer from Henderson Police at Henderson area while she went to sell another plastic contain gold ashes weighing around 80 grams, given to her by defendants Gura and the prime suspect.

The allegation further alleged that later in November 2024 the prime suspect escape to Auki and handed the remaining gold ashes to defendant Gura who would find a gold buyer to buy them.

Police allege that Gura went on and sold the stolen gold ashes, portion by portion.

Police discovered defendant Gura bought a number of vehicles and shared them amongst his family members. He also alleged to brought three door Rav4 and two-tone vehicles and Hilux which shipped to Auki. Gura and Keni Sasau also alleged to bought a piece of land at Tasahe B and currently building home on that land plot.

On 5th of December 2024, police executed a Search Warrant at defendant Gura and Keni Sasau residence at Lugga. Police alleged to found a small szeba bottle containing several grams of gold ashes, a cash of $ 6,317-60, small medicine like plastic for storing and weighting gold ashes which contain remain gold ashes, dark blue RSIPF Cargo Pant, one RSIPF Fire Service-EMT dark blue long sleeve station wear, one 511 blue tactical pant and one black OST rain coat, the properties of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force.

Both defendants were arrested and charged accordingly.

Police Prosecutor Smith Abuo appears for the crown and Donation Houa for Gura.

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Man sentenced to 8 months imprisonment for arson

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

A man who had pled guilty to the charge of arson has been sentenced to eight months imprisonment by the magistrate court.

Court sentenced Thomas Pegoa to 14 months imprisonment with a direction that six months of the sentence be suspended for one year, on condition that the accused does not re-offend. Pegoa therefore is to serve only eight months in prison for arson. His sentence to commence on the date of his first remand.

The sentence was delivered on Tuesday this week by Principal Magistrate Dalcy Belapitu Oligari.

In delivering the sentence, Oligari highlight the sentencing remarks which the sentence imposed by the Court will reflect both specific and general deterrence. It must not be viewed in isolation, but rather in conjunction with the principal of rehabilitation.

Oligari added, this approach aims to enable the offender to learn from this case and serves as a turning point, providing the opportunity for rehabilitation and the chance to re-integrate as a better individual upon his eventual return from custody.

Court also highlights the aggravating factors which are; significant damage to the property-the complainant house was completely burnt to the ground. It is a loss which apparently takes time, expenses and labor to rebuild it. The complainant and his wife left in a devastated position of being displaced or homeless.

The significant financial loss for the complainant. The dwelling house values around $ 4000. The complainant stated in his victim impact statement that he lost money he had spent on building the house, and on some properties that were burnt in the house.

Pegoa was voluntarily intoxicated during the commission of the offence, the complainant is 65 years old and was a vulnerable member in society.

Court also highlights the mitigating factors, where Pegoa earlier guilty plea, demonstrate genuine remorse and his accepted the consequence of his wrongs, his plea also reserves much of the resources to pay for witnesses and other allowances should this matter proceeds to trial.

He is the first-time offender, no previous conviction. His 18 years of existence he never had a brush with the law until this case.

He cooperates with the police investigation and reconciliation. Pegoa’s wife paid compensation to reconcile with the complainant’s family. The compensation consists of $2000 cash and $5,300 worth of food items and other goods, amounting to a total of $7,300. And lastly, his personal circumstance.

Taking into account the guidelines and the aggravating factors set out in the matter, balancing with the sentencing tariff and Pegoa criminal culpability, court imposed a starting point of 2 ½ years’ imprisonment.

Court gives full credit to Pegoa earlier guilty plea by removing 12 months from 2 ½ and further deduct 4 months for his other mitigating factors and personal circumstance.

Court therefore sentence Pegoa to 14 months imprisonment, 6 months to be suspended and 8month to be serve in custody.

Pegoa was charged with one count of arson and pleaded guilty on August 16, 2024.

Pegoa is 18 years old and complainant is 65 years old and are related as father and son.

On July 2, 2024 between 1pm and 2pm Pegoa willfully and unlawfully set fire to the complainant house, which was constructed with bush materials.

Pegoa been drinking since July 1, 2024 and only had just returned home the morning of July 2.

He asked his mother to request the outstanding amount of $ 400 and a shell money owned to him by his brother-in-law, as part of the compensation for impregnating his younger sister.

Court heard Pegoa was angry with his mother after she failed to bring back the $400 and a shell money from his brother-in-law.

He then set the complainant house on fire by lighting coconut leaves with a match and placed the lit coconut leaves against the wall on the outside of the house.

The complainant house was completely burned to the ground.

Sabrina Habu prosecuting and Vincent Nomae act for Pegoa.

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TINT REMOVAL CONTINUES

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HCC says its operation to ensure transparency in public transport vehicles for the safety of public remains active

BY NED GAGAHE

The Honiara City Council (HCC) has confirmed that its ongoing operation to remove tints from public service vehicles, which began in November 2024, is progressing well and has not been halted, despite claims circulating on social media.

Honiara City Clerk Justus Denni reassured the public that the operation is still in full swing, addressing recent misconceptions that it had ended.

In a statement issued yesterday, Denni stated that more than 300 public service vehicles, including taxis, buses, and pick-up trucks, have been dealt with as part of the operation.

Honiara City Clerk Justus Denni.

Mr Denni stated that since the operation started, most vehicle owners and drivers have cooperated voluntarily, removing the tints from their vehicles.

He expressed appreciation for the understanding and support shown by these drivers and vehicle owners.

However, seven individuals who refused to comply with the tint removal have been charged.

“These individuals appeared before the Central Magistrate Court on January 16, 2025, where five pleaded guilty on their first appearance, while two initially pleaded not guilty but later changed their plea.

“Each of the seven offenders has been fined $300, the minimum fine for a first-time offence under the HCC Ordinance.

“They have also been sternly warned not to commit the same offence again. If re-arrested and charged for the same violation, the fine will increase proportionately,” Clerk Denni said.

Clerk Denni stated that these individuals are required to remove the tints from their vehicles in accordance with the law, and the operation to ensure compliance will continue.

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Court imposes $2000 fine for man who possessed Police VHF radio

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

Court has sentenced Darren Maelaua who pleaded guilty for having possessing of the Police VHF radio to a fine of $2000 or in default of three months’ imprisonment.

On Friday last week, court ordered that Maelaua pay a fine of $2000 before 3pm on Jan 17 and failure to pay the fine will result in three months’ imprisonment.  

Maelaua charge for one count of possessing police property which he pleaded guilty and convicted by the court.

In delivering the sentence, court highlighted the aggravating factors which the offending itself speaks volumes of the seriousness involved. The item was found under Maelaua which belonged to the Royal Police Force, a creature created by statue whose functions are extensive and requisite to maintain peace, security and justice in the Solomon Islands.

Moreover, this particular item is assigned to Close Protection Department, a unit within the RSIPF that is tasked with the critical role of making sure of the safety and well-being of very high-profile individuals, such as the Prime Minister, and the Governor General of the country.

Matters for the mitigating factors, the earlier guilty plea, first time offender, his personal circumstances, his cooperation with the police and his faithfulness to attend to all his court hearings.

In sentencing remarks, court also highlighted the circumstance leading to this incident is a clear display of Maelaua poor judgement or ignorance and negligence. Court also emphasised his actions posed a risk to the public safety and security since that the Motorola radio could have been misused.

Court therefore starts with a starting point of $ 2,500 and added $1000 for aggravating factors and then deduct 1/3 for earlier guilty plea which is $900 and further deduct $600 for other mitigating factors. This leaves Maelaua a fine of $ 2000.

The court facts said on October 18, 2024, the defendant and another man went to Koloale Car Wash and asked a person who runs a tinting business there to tint his vehicle window glasses.

Whilst his vehicle is being tint, the defendant and the other male person who accompanied him sat at the back trailer of the vehicle.

Later, the defendant went to the passenger seat of his vehicle and took out the Police Radio handset.

He then switched on the radio and then returned it to his vehicle to recharged it because it was flat.

An informant who saw the defendant in possession of the police radio then contacted the police.

The Police Response Team Officer attended the scene at Koloale car wash and searched the defendant vehicle.

The officers then found the radio inside the defendant vehicle and identified it as a Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) radio, hence confiscate it from the defendant possession.

Police Prosecutor Smith Abuo is representing the accused and PSO for defendant.

SI in the driver’s seat with police agreement with Australia

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By Loretta B Manele

Solomon Islands is in the driver’s seat in terms of what priorities they want to see pursued first and quickest and in the most significant way.

Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles voiced the above when speaking to media on Saturday, January 18.

He was referring to Australia’s $190 million dollar funding that will go towards increasing the capacity of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF).

When asked what areas the funding will accommodate, Marles said the heart of the MOU of this agreement with Solomon Islands is on the partnership to grow the Solomon Islands police force through the establishment of a training centre in Honiara.

He highlighted that the importance of quality and high-class training for police is essential in terms of enabling them to do their job.

Moreover, Marles pointed out that in terms of specific priorities from the discussions on how the Solomon Islands police force will grow, this is something they see that should rightly be led by the Solomon Islands government.

“That is what will happen with the MOU that we will be working with the Solomon Islands in concluding as quickly as possible.

They are in the driver’s seat in terms of what priorities they want to see pursued first and quickest and in the most significant way”

Marles stressed that training is a key part of it but at the end of the day, they are here to respond to the priorities that are set forth by the Solomon Islands government.

“It is their police force which we are helping to support here and we are very mindful of that”

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Chief justice outlines measures to tackle court delays, case backlogs

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

CHIEF Justice Sir Albert Palmer has emphasized the importance of expanding judicial capacity and improving infrastructure to address the ongoing challenges of delays and case backlogs in the High Court.

Speaking at the opening of the 2025 legal year yesterday, Sir Palmer noted that in 2024, the judiciary appointed two new judges: Justice Sylver Aulanga and Justice Michael Collin Pitakaka.

“Their valuable experience and expertise will help alleviate the heavy workload currently faced by judges in the High Court,” he said.

Palmer said the recruitment process is ongoing, with plans to appoint additional judges later this year.

The Chief Justice also emphasized the need for more courtrooms, judges’ chambers, and office space for support staff in the High Court. 

“We are actively seeking innovative solutions to these challenges for example, we are in the process of partitioning Courtroom 5 to create an additional courtroom,” he noted.

“Additionally, we plan to decommission Courtroom 2 to make room for at least two more judges’ chambers and office spaces to accommodate our expanding judicial team,” Sir Palmer added.

In addition, several construction projects to address these space shortages have already been approved and are set to begin this year.

“We kindly ask for your patience, understanding, and cooperation as we work to resolve these pressing shortages in office space to enhance our capacity to deliver quality justice service,” he added.

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It’s a win-win situation for both countries: Marles

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By Loretta B Manele

Solomon Islands and Australia’s signing of the MOU on the partnership to increase the capacity of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) is a win-win situation for both countries.

Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles expressed this during an interview with the media over the weekend.

In initial remarks, he said what Australia stands to gain from the MOU is having a stable and peaceful neighbour.

Marles stated that what they want to see happen in Solomon Islands is a capable police force run and operated by Solomon Islanders.

“Having a capable police force in Solomon Islands run and operated here by Solomon Islanders, maintaining Solomon Islands’ own security, is hugely advantageous for Australia. I mean, it really is a win-win for both countries”

Marles stressed that they see this partnership as a real opportunity for Australia and being able to partner with Solomon Islands in respect of this is something that is going to be great for Solomon Islands and Australia as well.

He also noted that fundamentally, it is in Australia’s interest to see human development advance as much as possible throughout the pacific.

“This is our neighbourhood and we want to see prosperity grow throughout the pacific”

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Chief Justice Palmer highlights importance of financial support for Judiciary

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BY ROMINAH FAKA


CHIEF Justice, Sir Albert Palmer opened the 2025 legal year yesterday emphasising the importance of adequate financial support for the judiciary.


Delivering his remarks at the High Court, Sir Albert described financial security as a fundamental pillar of judicial independence.


“Unfortunately, this remains a significant challenge, with the judiciary often receiving insufficient funding,” he said.


Sir Palmer cited the Latimer House Guidelines for the Commonwealth that highlighted ‘the necessity of Funding, stressing that adequate and sustainable financial support is essential for the judiciary to perform its functions to the highest standards.


“This support is critical for upholding the rule of law, maintaining good governance and democracy, and ensuring the effective administration of justice,” he added.
He said that national security is a major focus today, shaped by global peace, geopolitics, and regional stability.


However, the Chief Justice said it is crucial to recognize that national security is closely tied to the judiciary’s role in administering justice.


“Concerns about law and order are closely linked to the ability of the courts to deliver timely and effective justice,” he noted.


Sir Albert emphasised that the five pillars of the criminal justice sector: Police, Prosecutions, Courts, Correctional Services, and the Community—along with the legal profession, must receive equal support to ensure effective checks and balances in law and order.


“The courts are a vital component as the third branch of government; therefore, it is imperative that they receive the necessary support to operate effectively,” he remarked.


“Any assistance provided in the name of national security must ensure that this critical balance is maintained. The stability of regional and international security fundamentally relies on the existence of national peace and security,” he added.

Malaita government to revisit revenue mobilisation strategy

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Asilaua led Malaia Economic, Cooperation and Transformation Government (MECTG) will revisit the province’s revenue mobilisation strategy.

The strategy was introduced by the Suidani led MARA government and made significant stride in addressing revenue collection in the province.

Premier Elijah Asilaua has recently called for the comeback of the strategy, seeing the necessity to strengthen revenue collection in the province.   

“The government through the treasury division has again revisiting our revenue mobilisation strategies starting with our revenue sources in Auki and moving to our respective wards and Honiara.

“There is still a huge responsibility required to ensure all internal revenue sources are lawfully registered and supported by the planned reviews of our business ordinances.

“We all need an effective team networking between local business owners, ward development committees, provincial administration and the assembly to realise all revenue potentials that this Province has forgone in recent years,” he said.

On the same note, the premier urged colleague MPAs to collaborate with their Ward Development Committees (WDCs) and Ward Support Officers (WSOs) to identify revenue sources in their wards.

He noted that illegal business operations and undertakings are rife in 33 wards across the province that need to get registered.

Asilaua voiced that by registering the businesses, they will serve the purpose of increasing tax collections by the provincial government.

He said the revenue mobilization strategy becomes a key priority of MPG, which will have significant impacts on its service delivery.

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New security firm commission 200 personnel

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

NEWLY registered Former Brothers (FB) Security Service is now fully operational, ready to provide top-tier, comprehensive protection services following the commissioning of 200 security personnel last Sunday at St Nicholas College hall.

Director Thomas Lewis Loms emphasised the company’s commitment to delivering innovative, reliable, and comprehensive security services.

 “We are ready to provide the best, most reliable security solutions, ensuring the safety of both businesses and individuals throughout the country,” Loms said.

The newly commissioned security personnel have undergone rigorous training in a range of essential skills, including security guard protocols, roles and responsibilities, codes of conduct, attention drills, first aid, and basic self-defense techniques.

Loms highlighted the importance of this training for ensuring that the firm’s security personnel are well-prepared for any assignment.

“The commissioning has ensured that our security officers are ready to take on assignments from government bodies, businesses, international offices, private entities, and educational institutions, or any other clients who require our services,” Loms said.

In addition to standard security services, FB Security Services is expanding its offerings to include housekeeping and babysitting services, with around 100 women included in the commissioning to meet these needs.

The director emphasized that the firm is committed to fairness and has employed individuals from all the provinces. 

Loms urged local business owners and individuals for further security support.

“We are here to help, and we encourage businesses and individuals to contact us for any security-related needs.”

Interested business houses or person can conduct FB security service at 7966264.

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