TWO brothers accused of killing a man at Papaho, Mbokonavera 4 Heights in Honiara, in early February will today take their pleas to the reduced charge of manslaughter.
Police earlier charged William Ausolo Babasi and his younger brother Kevin Susui Babasi with the murder of Ronald Tonowane.
Prosecution however, reduced the murder charge to that of manslaughter.
This was after prosecution found insufficient evidence to support the murder charge.
The incident occurred on 7 February 2015, at Papaho community following a fight that broke out between the brother of the deceased and Kevin.
Prosecution alleged that from the fight, Kevin whose house is not far from the deceased’s house, ran back to his house.
He allegedly called his brother William and they went back to the deceased’s area armed with bush knives and rocks.
They allegedly entered the private property of the deceased and started aggressively threatened and assaulted the deceased’s brother Donald Tonowane who fought with Kevin earlier on, his mother and father.
Seeing that, the deceased allegedly tried to defend his family members who were threatened by the accused and in the process threw a punch at Kevin.
Kevin allegedly fell to the ground facing upward.
The deceased then allegedly tried to grab Kevin but Kevin reportedly threw a punch at the deceased’s chest.
Prosecution further alleged that at that time the deceased, who has a history of Asthma, experienced breathing problem.
The deceased then held on to his chest and moved back in front of the ladder to the house and fell down.
Both accused were said to have escaped at that time.
The deceased’s family tried desperately to assist him and later rushed him to the National Referral Hospital.
However, the deceased was said to have died whilst on the way to the hospital.
The prosecution, in the meantime, will sort out the new charge before the brothers will take their plea today.
Anderson Kesaka of DNS & Partners represents the brothers while Public Prosecutor Bradley Dalipanda appeared for the state.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
