BY ROMINAH FAKA
The High Court is scheduled to deliver its ruling on the No Case To Answer submission today, Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at 3pm, for three individuals accused of murder in Koivo village in May last year.
The three defendants Stanley Norman, 24, Timothy Sagia, 40 and Steward Philip Tiva, 22, are charged with one count of murder contrary to section 200 of the Penal Code, read with section 21 of the Penal Code and one count of Acts intended to case grievous harm, contrary to section 224 (a) of the Penal Code [Cap 26].
They pleaded not guilty.
The trial was conducted before Judge John Keniapisia, where prosecution called a total of six witnesses.
Following the closure of the crown’s case, the three defendants through their defence lawyers, submitted a no case to answer.
The matter is listed for today afternoon for ruling on the no case to answer.
Prosecution alleged that on May 6, 2024, the two complainants and some friends were having a few beers following a celebration of a local church saints’ day at Koivo Village.
During this gathering, the defendants arrived at the scene and attacked the complainants with bush knifes.
It is alleged that prior to that incident, there had been an argument between the complainants and the defendants, which later escalated into the violent confrontation.
The facts reveal that while the complainants were drinking and listening to music, they observed torchlight flashes approaching. As the torchlights drew near, the defendants appeared, armed with bush knives. One of the defendants then raised a bush knife and struck the deceased on his backside. Steward Philip Tive further attacked the deceased by stabbing him in the backside a then cutting his right arm with the same weapon.
Prosecution further alleged that Stanley Norman struck the deceased on his left leg, while Steward Philip Tiva also cut the second complainant on the face when he attempted to assist the deceased. Second complainant then fled the scene for his own safety.
Several villagers witnessed the attack, notice the complainants were seriously injured and assisted in transporting them to Good Samaritan Hospital.
Due to the severity of the injuries, the complainants were later transferred to the National Referral Hospital (NRP), where they were admitted to the medical ward. Tragically, first complainant succumbed to his injuries and passed away on the May 13, 2024.
Steward Tonowane of Office of Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) is prosecuting and Rochella Pama of Public Solicitor Office (PSO) represents Steward Philip Tiva, Benham Ifuto’o of PSO represents Timothy Sagia, and Bobby Harunari of PSO represents Stanley Norman.
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