THREE of the four men accused of misleading police officers on a mission to arrest suspects of the Carpenter’s Hardware break-in were released on bail yesterday.
Police Officer Tarcuis Tukipatu, Andrew Timo and Galvin Kali were each allowed bail on a $500 cash bail to be paid by their sureties.
This was after their lawyer Lazarus Kwaiga of Public Solicitor’s made the bail application.
Police Prosecutor Alice Foanaota did not object the bail but asked if strict bail condition be imposed.
Chief Magistrate Emmanuel Kouhota also imposed strict bail condition that includes reporting to the Naha Police Station twice a week, not to interfere with police witnesses and not to commit an offence while they are on bail.
He warned the accused that if they breach any of the bail condition they will be recalled and he will sent them back to custody.
All the accused will return to the Honiara Magistrates’ Court again on March 4.
The three accused including Micky Naokwa were charged with misleading police officers by giving false information.
Police alleged that as a result of giving false information to police, police were not able to arrest the suspects of the break-in at Carpenter’s Hardware at Ranadi.
Off-duty police officer Tukipatu allegedly told police the suspects Stephen Lulu Nunuakalo and Albert Niurongoa were not there when police came.
The police officer therefore had to return to the police station to confirm with their sources before making their way back where Tukipatu and others were drinking.
And this time, police were told Nunuakalo and Niurongoa had just left the area.
Police then arrested the four accused and charged them for misleading police officers.
Nunuakalo and Niurongoa were later arrested.
The brothers and four others who are still at large were accused of breaking into the hardware on the early hours of January 19, this year.
Police alleged they were armed with bush knives when they broke into the Carpenter’s hardware.
They allegedly threatened the two securities manning the premises with bush knives and allegedly tied their hands.
Police alleged the men then entered the warehouse and damaged properties and then after removing the controller’s laptop and large amount of spirited drink they escaped.
It was alleged that the damage done was in millions.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
