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     Man facing multiple sex charges to take plea

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

Magistrate court has summoned the defence lawyer who represents accused Samuel Ariki to write to the court and explain his reason for not providing proper instructions to the PSO counsel who appeared in court yesterday, and for not complying to court directions on the last occasion to obtain instructions from his client to prepare him for plea yesterday.  

Ariki is charged for five counts of sexual intercourse with child under age of 15 namely 11 years old.

Yesterday court session prosecution updates the court, the investigation already completed however, only one outstanding document is yet to be collect from the victim which is the birth certificate.

Therefore, crown sought a seven days’ adjournment for prosecution to obtain the outstanding document which is the birth certificate of the victim and to serve it to the defence counsel.

Court adjourns to March 8 and instructed the prosecution to complete the memo before the next mention date and defence counsel to get instruction from his client and prepared him for plea on the next mention date.

Prosecution alleged Samuel Ariki inside his kitchen at Haleta village, Big Ngella, Central Province on an unknown date between 1st of January 2022 and 31st of December 2022, he did have sexual intercourse with the victim (Juvenile) age of 11 years old of the time of incident.

Again, on the 28th of October 2023 accuse Ariki did have sexual intercourse with the same juvenile victim at the same location Haleta village, Ngella.  

The matter was reported to the police on the 23rd of January 2024 and accused was arrested and remanded in Rove.

Office of Public Prosecution appears for the State and Office of Public Solicitor office appears for the defence.

Larceny by servant trial set for June

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

TRIAL into the case of a woman charged with Larceny by servant is set for June 17 at the Magistrate court before Principal Magistrate Elma Veenah Rizzu Hilly.

Maddlyn Hamara is charged with two counts of larceny by servant contrary to section 273 (a) (i) of the Penal Code.

On the previous occasion Hamara plead not guilty to count-1 and plead guilty to count-2 of the charge.

Yesterday’s session the prosecutor told the court she will not be available in June for the trial because she has a trial at the High Court. So, she informed the court she will liaise with DPP practice manager to reallocate the matter to another prosecutor to take up the trial on June 17.

Crown informed the court it will call two witnesses for the trial.

Court directed the defence counsel to file a proposal for plea bargain and communicate with the prosecution regarding the count-one not-guilty plea since there is a room for negotiation.

Court adjourned to March 11 for parties to update the court on their position in relation to the plea bargain negotiation on count one. Bail for defendant Hamara extend.  

Prosecution alleged that Ms. Maddlyn Hamara at Honiara in Guadalcanal Province, on the 15th of July 2023, being employed in the capacity of a clerk did steal a chattel to wit ten (10) yellow Casino Gaming Chips worth SBD $ 1,000 each belonging to her employer namely Coral Sea Casino.

Again, on the 19th of July 2023 Hamara being employed in the capacity of a clerk did steal a chattel to wit four (4) yellow Casino Gaming Chips worth SBD $ 1,000 each, belong to her employer namely Coral Sea Casino.

Office of Director of Public Prosecution act for State and Office of Public Solicitor act for defendant.

New Year murder case adjourned, assault cases go to trial

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

Trial into the case of Zane Taisia Gegeu and his co-accused Brendon Kakai who are charged jointly with assault causing bodily harm is set for April 15.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge, and the defence lawyer for Mr Kakai sent a proposal to prosecution negotiating the charge to be reduced to that of common assault.

On Friday last week the case was called in the magistrate court for interim-mention.

Kakai’s lawyer told court that prosecution has accepted his proposal, hence, Kakai is now charged with common assault, while Mr Gegeu faces assault causing bodily harm.

Kakai’s lawyer told court he was yet to finalise the agreed facts and to inform Kakai about the amended charge before he takes his plea in the next mention date.

The crown will call four witness, defence for Gegeu will call two witnesses and defence counsel for Kakai will call one witness.

Court suspended the matter to Friday this week for Kakai to take his plea and for his lawyer to finalise the facts.

Meanwhile, Gegeu is charged separately with one count of murder and one count of driving without valid licence.

His case was also mentioned in court on Friday last week, where prosecution told court he was unable to compile the case file because he was just allocated the case.

Prosecution told court he had just received additional disclosures on February 21 and is yet to serve it to Gegeu’s lawyer.

Prosecution sought an adjournment since there is still three outstanding statements to collect.

Court adjourned to March 1 for possible Short-Form Preliminary Inquiry (PI).

Remand warrant for Gegeu was extended.

Regarding the assault charge, it was alleged that on January 1 this year, early in the morning, Gegeu and Kakai assaulted the complainant without any lawful reason.

Prosecution alleged that Gegeu took a bottle of Solbrew and hit the complainant’s head with it, causing blood to come off from the complainant’s forehead.

The complainant went and reported the matter to police the next day.

Regarding the charge of murder and driving without valid licence, prosecution alleged that Gegeu between 3 – 5am on January 1, 2024, drove a vehicle through the Supreme Casino second boom gate known to be the Eastern side and then made a quick turn heading back in the westly direction at a very high speed.

Allegation said the accused drove straight towards a group of girls, including the deceased.

When the group of girls saw the vehicle running straight towards them, they jumped trying to avoid the oncoming vehicle.

But, the deceased was hit by the vehicle.

Allegations said after the accused hit the victim, he reversed the vehicle and escaped out of the Supreme Casino area.

The deceased was transported to the National Referral Hospital (NRH) where she was later pronounced dead.

The accused was arrested and charged with murder and driving without valid licence.

John Wesley Zoze from Public Prosecution Office acts for the Crown, Lazurus Waroka of PSO acts for Zane Taisia Gegeu and Ron Pulekera of PSO acts for Brenden Kakai.

Forau’s case adjourns for next week

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The case against former Temotu premier Clay Forau Soalaoi has been adjourned for Monday next week.

This is to allow time for both prosecution and defence to submit their submission documents to the court.

It is expected that their submissions will address five legal issues which Principal Magistrate Fatimah Taeburi had raised after looking through the exhibits and statements of the witnesses tendered to court by consent.

The legal issues include whether or not there might be an abuse of court process, whether or not the accused should be given a fair hearing, whether the magistrate court have the jurisdiction to order a permanent stay proceeding and whether magistrate court should permanently stay this criminal proceeding.

Forau is charged for 14 counts of conversion and he pleaded not guilty to all counts.

The trial commenced first week of this month where crown called a total of 10 witnesses and tended by consent to the court the rest of the witnesses’ statements which were marked by court as exhibits.

Bail for Forau was extended, and he is required to attend court on February 26 for mention.

Court heard Forau is facing 14 counts of conversion for allegedly misusing $350,890 belonging to his constituents between 2012 and 2014 when he was the MP for Temotu VATUD Constituency.

The money was supposed to be paid to recipients of the 2012 Cocoa Industry Support Scheme and Rehabilitation of Coconut Industry Programmed for the constituency.

However, on 14 occasions between October 19, 2012 and October 31, 2014 the defendant allegedly fraudulently converted a total of $350,890 for his benefit.

Vernon Taupongi of the DPP office acted for the State and Jim Seuika of the DNS & Partners Law Firm acted for the accused.

DRUGS INTO THE SEA

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Jennifer Kusapa
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Confiscated Methamphetamine. Photo credit - POLICE MEDIA

Police claim confiscated Methamphetamine haul destroyed

By JENNIFER KUSAPA

Police have announced they have destroyed the Methamphetamine haul, confiscated in Honiara late last year.

Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau confirmed this yesterday during a press conference.

Police Media also shared photos to the media as proof, showing the haul and officers in the process of dumping the drugs into the sea.

Responding to questions in regards to the illegal drugs, on the delay in their destruction, Mr Mangau explained that the police had to ‘adhere to proper formalities from authorities’ and ‘ensure that all necessary paperwork was completed before the destruction could take place’.

Mangau confirmed that the Methamphetamine was taken from the Post Office and from a location at the Ranadi area late last year.

He said police have no proper details on the value of the drugs, adding that the seized drugs were of ‘small quantity’.

Commissioner Mangau also said no arrest has been made, and that investigations are ongoing.

When questioned about the potential impact of the destruction on court evidence, Mangau said the destruction was carried out due to the hazardous nature of the drug.

He added that police had adhered to all processes and procedures before the destruction was made.

He said necessary measures, including arranging for proper documentation and photographers for court proceedings, were taken care of.

Mangau denied any involvement of senior officers that could have contributed to the delay in the destruction process.

He clarified that the drugs were kept under secure custody, separate from the exhibit office.

Mangau pointed out that Solomon Islands serves as a transit port for drugs, emphasising the seriousness and danger these items pose to youths and the community.

He urged people to collaborate closely with the police and authorities to address this issue effectively in the country.

Methamphetamine is also known as ice or crystal meth. It is a highly addictive psychostimulant drug. Its use can be life-threatening. It is banned in a number of countries.

Abusive usage of meth is said to lead to long term risks which include high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke. This is reportedly despite the user being without any initial heart problems. Meth can severely damage the liver and kidneys, also to the point of causing death.

Suspect in accident which killed foreigner last year yet to be charged

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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

The suspect into the traffic accident which led to the death of a Cook Islander pilot after the Pacific Games last year is yet to be charged.

Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau confirmed yesterday that the 20-year-old male suspect in the fatal accident that occurred in Honiara on December 3, 2023, has not yet been charged.

Mangau responding to questions during the press conference yesterday on why the three-month delay to the case, said investigators are still awaiting for the doctor’s report and photographs from the Forensic department.

Last year, the morning after the official closing of the Pacific Games in Honiara, a traffic accident occurred which led to the death of a man who was of Cook Islands and Samoan descent.

The man was said to be a pilot serving in PNG, and had come to the country to meet his brother, who was a leading official of the Cook Islands contingent to the 17th Pacific Games.

The suspect was arrested and later released. Police said he was not formally charged as the necessary documents were still pending.

Police in earlier reports said that at the time of the incident, the vehicle was traveling eastward at a high speed, and the suspect was allegedly under the influence of alcohol.

The vehicle reached Saru beach, veering off the road and colliding with the rail on the outer side of the low lane, causing the vehicle to be propelled back onto the high lane. Despite this, the vehicle maintained its speed and hit the middle island at St Nicholas junction. Subsequently, the vehicle jumped and struck the outer rail of the low lane again, resulting in a twist that led to the unfortunate collision with the deceased.

Approach this election with an open mind: Anisi

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Mavis Podokolo
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Chief Electoral Officer Jasper Anisi. Photo supplied.

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

THE Chief Electoral Officer for Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) has urged eligible voters and general public to approach this upcoming election with open minds, consideration and respect.

Anisi echoed this in a press conference following the Proclamation and Election Notices for the 2024 Joint Election held this week in Honiara.

“But with this privilege comes responsibility. We must approach this election with open minds, thoughtful consideration, and respect for the diverse views and opinions of our fellow citizens.

“We must engage in civil dialogue, listen to different perspectives, and ultimately make our choice based on what is best for our country as a whole,” he said.

Anisi urged each and every one to educate themselves on national issues, research the candidates and participate in the democratic process with enthusiasm and dedication.

“Your voice matters, your vote counts, and together, we can build a brighter future for all.

“So, mark your calendars, spread the word, and prepare to make history on 17th April 2024, because this is the first time Solomon Islands will have a Joint Elections. The election timetable now commences,” he said.

Anisi adds by encouraging everyone to show the world the power of democracy, the strength of unity, and the resolve of a nation determined to shape its own destiny.

MWYCFA reviews national youth policy 2017-2030

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Samie Waikori
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Ethel Sigimanu.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

THE Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs is reviewing the National Youth Policy 2017-2030.

This follows the first phase or the first six years of implementation.

This is to ascertain challenges and achievements of the first phase which will pave the way for the implementation of its second phase.

The review is headed by a team from MWYCFA, where a two-day consultation was held with various stakeholders in Auki, Malaita province from Monday to Tuesday this week.

Mr Methodius Iapara from MWYCFA said the review was supposed to have been done last year, but was postponed due to the Pacific Game.

He said the review began this year and is nearing completion with most provinces having been covered.

A consultant on the NYP review, Ethel Sigimanu, said, “Through the review, we will learn from challenges, shortfalls and achievements encountered in the first phase and prepare for the second phase of the policy.”

Sigimanu said after the consultation, a report on the review will be submitted to MWYCFA to deliberate on and absorb into the next phase of the policy from 2024-2030.

Francis Samo, Malaita province youth coordinator thanked the MWYCFA and described the review as significant toward the success of the NYP 2017-2030.

“As an office that had played important role in implementing the National Youth Policy 2017-2030, lot of challenges had faced in the implementation of the policy in the provincial level.

“One major among them is budgetary and proper coordination to implement the policy, especially in its first phase.

“We hope, these areas and other important areas raised by implementing stakeholders during the review are capture as preparation is now for the second phase of the policy,” he said.

Samo said Malaita province, like other provinces is looking forward to working closely with MWYCFA to implement the next phase of the NYP, from 2024-2030.

World Vision holds youth exhibition in Diula village

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Samie Waikori
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Group photo of youths with WVSI and NZ delegation at Diula during the Youth Exhibition on Tuesday this week. Photo credit - WVSI

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

WORLD Vision in Auki, Malaita province held a youth exhibition for 20 communities the organisation is working with in north and east Malaita on Tuesday this week at Diula village, North Malaita.

The exhibition programme comes under the World Vision’s Youth Social Entrepreneurship Development (YSED) project and is funded by the New Zealand government.

Managing the project for Malaita province is Robert Firidede, who highlighted youth empowerment as an important element of the entire project.

He said the exhibition is purposely for youths to showcase their skills, products, services and initiatives achieved as part of their engagement in the project.

“Normally, such events are designed to provide youth with perfect platform to present their products and services at its best.

“The event is unique as it offers a place to capture qualified clients face to face, apart from displaying their products and other learning characters.

“Also, as part of the programme is to explore and experience that as being youth, they are the leaders for tomorrow,” Firidede said.

He said during the programme youths learnt important concepts such as;

  • Interact and learn from each other
  • Learn from quest speakers in different areas affecting the society
  • Encourage youth and continue with initiative developed
  • To promote their talents and skills or service
  • Showcase their groups’ small generating activities
  • To experience the culture of being responsible, developing self-confidence, trust, respect and discipline as ambassadors of their youth groups
  • To promote recognition of youth importance, work and decision-making participation in the society.

Firidede said a key element of the project is youth empowerment to play active roles in community development and to become good citizens.

And in that, he said mindset and behavioral change is a key message for the youths.

Firidede thanked the youths for their participation in the programme and realising their importance in contributing positively to their communities and homes.

He said this is what the project is about – to see youths playing active roles in supporting leaders in their communities.

Your voice matters, and your vote counts: SIEC

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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Chief Electoral Officer Jasper Anisi. Photo supplied.

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

Voters are being urged to choose the right people to represent them in parliament come polling day, April 17.

Chief Electoral Officer Jasper Anisi, during a press conference with the media on Tuesday, highlighted that voters must educate themselves on issues, research the candidates, and participate in the democratic process with enthusiasm and dedication.

“Your voice matters, your vote counts, and together, we can build a brighter future for all.

“So, mark your calendars, spread the word, and prepare to make history on April 17, 2024, because this is the first time the Solomon Islands will have a joint election.

“The election timetable now commences,” Anisi said.

He said April 17, 2024, is a pivotal moment in our democratic process, a time when everyone has the opportunity to exercise their freedom and make their voices heard.

Meanwhile, during the opening of the new Solomon Ports Jetty early this month, Caretaker, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare also highlighted that the election is in the next couple weeks and it is time for voters to exercise their constitutional rights to elect representatives at the national, provincial, and Honiara City Council levels.

“I ask all of us to choose wisely and remember that whoever we select is going to represent us in the next four years, so we have that very serious responsibility, and we leave that to the wisdom of our people under the democratic process,” Sogavare adds.

ENDS//

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