THE trial of five men accused of destroying properties and stealing in Jejevo Village, Isabel Province in 2021 has moved to the defence case.
Jimmy Taea, Godwin Hamilton Puza, Joseph Sago and Steward Gift are facing one count of Going Arm in Public, 13 counts of Willful and Unlawful Damage and three counts of Simple Larceny.
So far, the defence team has called eight witnesses, including three of the defendants.
The defence case will resume on Monday this week with testimony from four more witnesses including the two remaining defendants.
The prosecution had previously closed its case after calling nine witnesses.
The charges relate to an incident on 8 March 2021, between 2pm and 3pm at Jejevo Village.
It is alleged that despite a prior agreement between the Jejevo community and a security firm providing security for the Sunshine Mining Company Limited to resolve their differences through dialogue, the mining company resumed operations a week later.
This led to tensions escalating, resulting in the Jejevo community seizing three petrol drums belonging to the mining company.
On 8 March 2021, a group of about 20 men, including the five accused, allegedly armed themselves with knives, spear guns, spears, axes, and rocks and went to Jejevo Village, destroying properties belonging to 13 families and stealing from three individuals.
The total value of the destroyed properties is approximately $350,000, while the stolen items are valued at over $67,000.
The Public Solicitor’s Office is representing the accused men whilst the Police Prosecution Department is prosecuting.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
