THE Honiara Magistrate Court has granted bail to one of the accused in the theft of gold ashes worth $2.6million and the possession of police properties.
Principal Magistrate Dalcy Belapitu Oligari imposed a cash bail of $3,000 on the accused Max Gura and along with strict bail conditions.
Gura and his wife Miriam Keni Sasau, who is on bail, are facing the charges of Simple Larceny and Possession of Police Properties.
They previously pleaded not guilty to the charges. Their matter will return to court on March 14 for a Pre-Trial Conference.
The allegation arose from an incident on 24 September 2024 when the prime suspect, who is still at large, accompanied the complainant and his sister to the Bred Bank in Kukum to make a deposit.
The deposit was to facilitate the export of 8,992.10 grammes of gold ashes owned by the complainant Jevin Chow and his family.
After the complainant and his sister went into the bank, the prime suspect disappeared with the bag containing the gold ashes.
A search ensured and the complainant filed a report with the police.
Police investigations revealed that Gura transported the prime suspect in his vehicle after the gold ashes were stolen and helped him escape from police.
It was alleged that Gura received a portion of the stolen gold ashes and his wife sold some for $160,000.
Sasau returned the money to Gura and the prime suspect.
The prime suspect allegedly gave the couple $10,000.
On 3 October 2024, police intercepted Sasau whilst attempting to sell more gold ashes and they later discovered that the prime suspect handed the remaining gold ashes to Gura, who was tasked to find buyers.
Gura allegedly sold the stolen gold ashes and bought vehicles, which he gave to his family members and purchased a piece of land in Tasahe B and built a residential home.
Police discovered the prime suspect escaped to Malaita in November 2024.
On 5 December 2024, police executed a search warrant at the couple’s residence and found a small bottle containing gold ashes along with $6,317.60 in cash and police uniforms.
The police uniforms consisted of a dark blue RSIPF cargo pant, one RSIPF Fire Service EMT dark blue long-sleeved station wear, a 511 blue tactical pant and one black OST police raincoat
The defendants were arrested on 4 December 2024 whilst trying to board MV Ocean Joy.
Donation Houa and Wesley Faita’a of Public Solicitor’s Office represent the two accused, whilst Police Prosecutor Iete Tebakota appear for the crown.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
