BY ROMINAH FAKA
The Pre-Trial Conference (PTC) for three individuals charged with fraud for allegedly obtaining money from the complainant will be held this morning at the Honiara Magistrate’s Court at 10 am.
The PTC will be conducted before Principal Magistrate Elma Veenah Rizzu Hilly.
The three defendants namely, Chief John Kokoro Clinty, Chief Alosi Jonah Taka and Jerry Madada Pakivai are jointly charged with one count of false pretence, contrary to section 306 (a) of the Penal Code, as read with section 21 of the Penal Code.
The trio pleaded not guilty to the charge, and the matter adjourned to this morning for the defendants to confirm maintain their pleas before proceedings with the PTC.
Prosecution alleged on 12th of July 2022, complainant Johnny Yeh, met with the defendants Chief John Kokoro Clinty, Chief Alosi Jonah Taka and Jerry Madada Pakivai, at Coral Sea Resort Hotel to discuss matters related to the development plans of Robroy Island.
The defendants informed the complainant about the latest developments regarding the reconciliation progress with the Volaikana Soa Tribe.
It was further alleged that the defendants informed the complainant that the reconciliation process is still in progress, due to both tribes (Volaikana Soa Tribe and Volaikana Tribe) were still unable to reach an understanding on royalty sharing and other crucial tribe matters. So, they allegedly needed more time to complete the reconciliation process in the near future.
The defendant requested complainant continuous support in their reconciliation process, as it is crucial to the development on Robroy Island. Complainant upon hearing that agreed and accepted defendant requests for continuous financial support for their cause at the meeting.
On the 14th of July 2022, defendant invited the complainant to Heritage Park Hotel for a meeting.
During the meeting, defendants requested for an allowance of $ 1,500 each for the seven chiefs and elders including them, also attached a letter dated 13th July 2022 address to the complainant company requesting financial assistance for reconciliation purposes. Complainant upon seeing that, satisfied and willing to support.
The allegations further stated at that time the complainant did not know that Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) already made with Volaikana Soa Tribe and New Venture on the 8th of July 2022. The total of $ 10,500.00 was given to the defendants for reconciliation purposes as requested.
The allegation also stated, the complainant gave $ 1,500 cash to defendant Alosi Jonah and another $ 1,500 cash to Jerry Pakivai in Honiara and remaining $ 7,500 deposited into defendant Kokoro BSP personal bank account on the 16th of July 2022 from POB, Greenland Enterprise Limited.
On the 18th of July 2022, the money went into the personal bank account of defendant John Kokoro at BSP.
Prosecutor further alleged that the contents of the MOU confirmed that Volaikana Tribe and Volaikana Soa Tribe had completed their reconciliation, and both tribes agreed to allow New Venture Limited for Logging Operation on Robroy Island.
Complainant was not happy with what happened and reported the matter to fraud squad at Rove Police Headquarter on 13th of February 2025. Defendant arrested and charged and bailed.
Defendant Kokoro Clinty took part in a Record of Interview and denied receiving the amount of $ 7,500.
Jonah Taka in record of interview he admitted receiving the amount of $ 1,500 but denied meeting with the complainant at Heritage Park Hotel.
Defendant Pakivai in record of interview remained silent all throughout when allegation questions were asked to him.
Leonard Chite from Bridge Legal & Consultancy Firm prosecuting and Joseph Iroga of Florida International Legal Service represent the three defendants.
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