BY ROMINAH FAKA
The case involving three men charged with attempted murder in Koivo village, Guadalcanal, was mentioned in the Magistrate court on Thursday this week.
Prosecution informed court that it had just assigned one of its members on this case, adding that disclosures have not yet been served to defence.
Prosecution further informed court that the investigation into the case is yet to be complete.
They are still waiting for the medical report and autopsy report to be obtained by police and served to the office of public prosecution.
The Presiding Deputy Chief Magistrate, Ricky Iomea further adjourned the matter for seven days, despite prosecution not complying with the court’s previous order to provide disclosures to the defence counsels representing all the accused.
The court suspended proceeding to July 4 for plea.
During this time court has directed the crown to provide disclosures whether partial or full to the defence counsels by close of business yesterday.
Timothy Sagia, Stanley Norman, and Steward Philip Tiva are jointly charged with attempted murder.
According to the allegations, on the evening of May 6, 2024 between 7pm and 8pm, the two victims were reportedly having a few beers following a celebration of a local church saint’s day at Koivo village.
From the allegations, the victims involved were uncle and nephew. It was further alleged that the first victim (the nephew), who was having drinks with loud music, noticed a torchlight coming towards him from behind.
When the first victim got up to see who it was, one the accused allegedly struck his left leg with a bush knife.
After the first victim fell back to the ground lying helplessly, he allegedly saw accused Stanley Norman and Steward Philip Tiva holding bush knives in their right hands beside him.
Allegations said Tiva struck the victim’s backside with a bush knife. Tiva allegedly continued by stabbing the victim’s backside and also cutting the victim’s right arm with the same bush knife.
According to the allegations, the second victim intervened to stop Norman from cutting the first victim with a bush knife. However, Timothy Sagia allegedly struck the second victim twice with a bush knife on his backside.
The second victim escaped the crime scene for safety.
The nearby villagers assisted both to the Good Samaritan Hospital and down to the National Referral Hospital where the victims were admitted.
Seven days later, the first victim passed away from the serious injuries sustained from the knife cuts.
All three accused were arrested and remanded at Rove.
Martha Mutukera appears for the crown and Emy Rusi act for Norman, Benham Ifuto’o act for Sagai and Rochella Palmer act for Tiva.
