BY JENNIFER KUSAPA
PUBLIC Prosecution has confirmed in court they will reduce the murder charge against three males alleged to have involved in the death of an elderly teacher at the Bahai area in March this year.
Prosecutor Steward Tonowane said they have decided on the reduction of the murder charge to that of manslaughter.
However, they will make a formal application in court to withdrew the current charge on the next appearance as they are working on wording of the charge.
Tonowane also informed the court the investigation is complete and disclosures were served to defence lawyers on May 14, 2021.
Meanwhile a lawyer from the public solicitor’s officer Paul None who appeared with instruction from his colleagues Daniel Kwalai, Allan Tinoni and Ben Alasia, told the court to adjourn the case for a later date.
He said according to Kwalai, he is yet to receive confirmation on whether or not investigations are complete, while Mr Tinoni said that he is yet to visit his client in custody and obtain instruction for plea.
For Mr Alasia, is currently in Auki on a High Court circuit.
Meanwhile Principal Magistrate Augustine Aulanga said that it seems that the lawyers in carriage of the cases did not read the documents served to them.
He said, “as lawyers you need to think and act quickly on matters as you are serving the people.”
Therefore, he adjourned the case to May 31 for possible plea.
On the night of March 26 this year, the three young men reportedly attacked the victim along the road at Bahai area.
This attack reportedly led to the death of the victim the next day.
