BY ROMINAH FAKA
CORRECTED VERSION
The case of three men accused of burglary has been moved for November 6 for pre-trial conference (PTC).
Joe Malau, Matthew Malau and Frank Firimolea were in court on Wednesday (Oct 30, 2024).
The hearing was for PTC however Matthew’s lawyer informed court there were issues with the charges and particulars.
Prosecution sought an adjournment to finalise the issues raised by defence.
Court made directions for counsels to settle the outstanding issues raised in court and for the parties to settle the PTC before the next mention date.
Prosecution charged Joe, Matthew and Firimolea with Burglary contrary to section 299 of the Penal Code.
It was alleged on June 10 this year at around 7pm in the evening, the complainant was still at his JX enterprises shop when the defendants drove into the eastern gate of the Fangs area at Tandai in a white carldina car.
The complainant is Mr Wei June We, a Chinese male.
The defendants stopped the car at the eastern side of the building and Matthew and Firimolea walked up to the complainant’s room while Joe walked to the security guard at the gate area to ask for a car jumper to start their car, allegations said.
The guard then reportedly asked him to drive out since he was going to close the gate.
It was alleged Matthew and Firimolea opened the door by damaging the lock and went inside the room and removed 1x ctn red bro cost $ 5850, 1x ctn white bro $ 6950, 1x ctn green pall mall $ 7650, 1x ctn blue pall mall $ 7650 , 1 x ctn solbako $10250, 2 x Huawei mobile phone $3850 and cash of $334000 and then escaped via the same white caldina.
The defendants had already left when the wife of the guard and another Chinese female discovered the break-in.
They alerted police, who apprehended Joe and Mathew while Firimolea escaped with a huge amount of money.
During interview Joe allegedly confessed his involvement with Firimolea.
Police then searched for Firimolea but were unsuccessful until August 26 this year when he was sighted at Foxwood area and apprehended by the Central response team.
Bobby Harunari represents Joe, Ron Dickey Pulekera represents Matthew and Rochella Pama represents Firimolea whilst Monica Rehamora of Public Prosecution Office appears for the crown.
