BY MELVILLE TITIULU
The Magistrate Court on Tuesday, April 15, imposed a $500 fine on a man accused of hawking in a public place without a hawker’s license and illegal Selling of Betelnut in a betelnut-free zone or public space.
John Ramo of Radefasu village, Central Kwaraae, Malaita Province was charged with two counts.
The first count is in relation to hawking in a public place without a hawker’s license contrary to section 3(1) of the principal hawker’s ordinance and section 3(2) of the Honiara City Council (hawkers) amendment ordinance 2023.
The second count is in relation to the selling of betelnut in a betelnut free zone contrary to section 7(b) of the Honiara City Council (betel nut) ordinance 2023.
It was alleged that on the April, 1, 2026 at about 10:28 am, Honiara City Council (HCC) Law enforcement officers were on mobile patrol and observation along the township area. Whilst on patrol along the Point Cruz area, they saw a male person who was later known as John Ramo standing in front of the Dollar shop selling betelnuts and cigarettes to the public.
It was later discovered that the defendant was selling 8 fruit betelnuts cost at $2.00 per fruit betelnut, 15 fruit leaves cost at $1.00 per fruit leaf and 9 rolls of Pall Mall cigarettes at $2.00 per roll.
There, officers approached the defendant and invited him to follow them to the law enforcement office for further dealings. The defendant was formally arrested and charged.
The defendant pleaded guilty to both of these counts of charges.
Principal Magistrate Mrs Joyceth Paile presided over this matter when it came for plea and sentencing on Tuesday, April 15, at the Magistrate court.
At the sentencing, the court took into account the defendant’s extenuating circumstances and imposed an appropriate consecutive fine of $200 for hawking in a public place without a hawker’s license and $300 for selling betelnut in a betelnut free zone.
Therefore, the offender is to pay a total fine of $500. In default of payment, he will a serve 20-day imprisonment.
A street seller who requested anonymity and sells her cigarettes and betelnut at the Museum food court area told Island Sun thatshe illegally sells cigarettes and betelnuts because it is a fast way of earning money.
However, Robert Madeo, HCC Head of the law enforcement unit, told Island Sun yesterday, that his officers will continue to enforce this regulation by undertaking mobile patrol and observation along the township area.
Mr Madeo warns street sellers not to involve in illegal hawking or else they will be arrested and charged.
The maximum penalty for the offence of hawking in public without a hawker’s license is $1,000. The corresponding sentence is a 40-day imprisonment.
Mr Harry Bisafo prosecuted the matter and he represented HCC while the offender was self-represented in court.
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