THE trial of a man accused of attempting to murder a young man in 2023 at Lavena Logging Camp in Renbel Province has been vacated in the High Court.
The trial was scheduled to take place this week, but was delayed due to a lack of funds to bring in prosecution witnesses from Renbel.
As a result, the trial was vacated and the matter will be sent back to the Case Listing Committee of the High Court to set new trial dates.
Joses Tangata Gamutu, 53, faces a charge of Attempted Murder in connection to a murder on the night of 3 November 2023 at Lavena Logging Camp.
The prosecution alleged that the alleged victim, a 20-year-old, was attacked by Gamutu after a disagreement broke out between a group of people who were drinking homebrewed liqour and caused disturbances.
According to the prosecution, the alleged victim and his relatives were warned by a security officer to keep the noise down, but they continued to argue and fight, resulting in Gamutu’s alleged assault of the victim with a bush knife.
The victim was unconscious and taken to the Tigoa Mini Hospital, where he was admitted for heavy bleeding.
Gamutu was arrested on 6 November 2023 in his home in Lavena and was flown over to Honiara the same day.
The trial was vacated until further notice, pending the availability of funding to bring in the necessary witnesses.
Gamutu is represented by private lawyer Bitibule Kaehuna, whilst Public Prosecutors Georgina Oroi and Francisca Luza appear for the Crown.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
