ELEVEN of the 12 women accused of selling betelnut in a Betelnut Free Zone at Maromaro, Honiara, December last year will appear in court on February 12 for plea.
They will be entering their pleas to the charge of The Sale of Betelnut in a Betelnut Free Zone or public place is prohibited.
The charge was laid under the Betelnut Free Zone Ordinance 2023, Honiara City Council Act 1999 (No.2 of 1999) 7(b).
The matters of the 12 accused were mentioned in the Honiara Magistrate’s Court yesterday and it was further adjourned for plea.
Prosecution will also be making an application later to discontinue the matter of one of the accused who had since died.
The HCC Betelnut Free Zone Ordinance has commenced on 13 November 2023 followed by a week of awareness.
It was alleged that in spite of the awareness, some betel nut vendors around Honiara including the 12 accused continued to sell betelnut at Maromaro which is in the Betelnut Free Zone.
HCC Law Enforcement Officers in a joint operation with police went around the Betelnut Free Zones and arrested those who continued on selling betel nuts.
The 12 accused were part of the group of market vendors arrested in the joint operation.
Private Lawyer Hubert Fugui represents the accused whilst HCC Prosecutor Ambrose Motui appears for this matter.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
