BY ROMINAH FAKA
Sentencing on a man found guilty of arson has been adjourned for July 29.
This is for defence to complete its mitigation submission.
The matter was mentioned at the magistrate court yesterday, where defence sought for adjournment.
Court extended the bail for Jade Kekea.
The agreed facts court heard is that Jade is the grandson of the complainant, Jude Kekea.
Jade’s parents separated and the complainant and his wife took Jade and looked after him when he was about 2 years old.
Prior to December 26, 2021 there was three houses at Betinivua Settlement.
On that date December 26 2021, Jade willfully set fire to a house at Betinivua settlement, Foxwood. The
house was built by the complainant in 1989 purposely for a canteen.
That the house was a semi-permanent house and was completely burned to the ground by Jade.
The house was occupied by the children of Georgina Kekea the complainant daughter.
Two of her children Bradford Noda and Gelisara Noda would sleep in the house almost every night in the years prior to the burning. Their mother Georgina lives in town and would visit them sometimes.
Jade did not live at the house that was burnt. He lived with the complainant Jude Kekea and his wife at a different house.
Jade was interviewed by Henderson police officer on the 17th May 2022 and said he had his reasons why he did it.
Fransica Luza act for crown and Emy Rusi act for Jade Kekea.
