BY ROMINAH FAKA
The Magistrate Court has administratively adjourned the gold ashes theft case to Monday next week, July 14, for sentencing submissions for Peter Olben, who previously pleaded guilty to the offence.
Two individuals, a couple, Max Gura and Mirriam Keni Sasau, also charged in connection with the stolen gold ashes, are scheduled to appear in court on the same date to enter their pleas to an amended, lesser charge of receiving from simple larceny which they were both initially charged with.
The incident occurred on September 24, 2024, when the principal accused, Peter Olben, stole eight plastic bags of gold ashes weighing 8,992.10 grammes.
On September 26, 2024, Gura allegedly transported Olben in his vehicle to help him evade police and hid him at his village in Guadalcanal.
It is further alleged that Gura received a portion of the stolen gold ashes from Olben after dropping him off at the hideout.
Sasau allegedly sold a portion of the stolen gold ashes and collected approximately $160,000, which she then returned to her husband, Gura and Olben.
Police also alleged that Olben gave Gura and Sasau an additional $10,000.
On October 3, 2024, Sasau was intercepted by officers from Henderson Police at the Henderson area while attempting to sell another plastic bag containing gold ashes, which she had received from Gura and Olben.
Olben later escaped to Auki and handed the remaining gold ashes to Gura, who sought a buyer. Gura allegedly sold the gold ashes in portions.
Police investigations later discovered that Gura had used the proceeds to purchase several vehicles and distributed them among his family members. He is alleged to have bought a three-door RAV4, a two-ton vehicle and a Hilux, all of which were shipped to Auki.
Gura and Sasau are also alleged to have purchased a piece of land at Tasahe B, where they are currently building a home.
On December 5, 2024, police executed a search warrant at the residence of Gura and Sasau in Lunga.
During the search, officers reportedly found a small Szeba bottle containing several grams of gold ashes, $6,317.60 in cash and small medicine-like plastic containers used to store and weigh gold ashes, which still contained gold residue.
Police also discovered police uniforms and other property belonging to the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF).
Iete Tebakota from the Police Prosecution Department is prosecuting the case. Donation Houa of PSO is representing Max Gura, Syvia Pitamama is acting for Peter Olben and Roria Sikua is representing Mirriam Keni Sasau.
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