Man gets 14 year-jail term for rape
A MAN who was convicted of raping a 16-year-old girl and consequentially caused her to bleed heavily and hospitalised at Kilu’ufi Hospital early this year has been sentenced to 14 years in prison.
The 23-year-old man who could not be named to protect the identity of the victim was found guilty after a trial for one count of rape contrary to Section 136F(1)(a)(b), Penal Code (Amendment) (Sexual Offences) Act 2016.
Having found him guilty, Judge Ronald Bei Talasasa Jr imposed a 14-year imprisonment term.
The defendant was tried in a trial conducted during the recent High Court Circuit in Auki, Malaita Province.
The rape occurred on 31 January between 2am and 3am in a village in West Kwaio Constituency.
The complainant was at her uncle’s place playing card games known as ‘pass’ at that time.
The defendant was there also.
The defendant then lured the victim to a nearby location where he raped her.
The victim suffered severe bleeding and lower abdominal pain and dizziness and was first attended to at the Buma Aid post before being immediately referred to Kilu’ufi hospital.
According to the medical report, the victim suffered rape trauma syndrome as well as heavy bleeding due to an injury.
Public Solicitors Oxley Limeniala represented the defendant, whilst Public Prosecutors Letiara Pellie and Selwyn Vaike prosecuted the matter.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
Retaliatory killing judgement on Friday
JUDGEMENT on the case of the man who stood trial in relation to the sorcery-related killing in Bulokalai village in the Aola region of Guadalcanal Province last year will be delivered on Friday.
Frederick Kuki is facing one count of murder.
He was tried in a trial before Judge Ronald Bei Talasasa Jr in the High Court in May and June this year.
At the end of the prosecution case, Kuki’s lawyer Benham Ifuto’o made a No Case to Answer submission.
However, Judge Talasasa found Kuki had a case to answer to the charge.
Kuku chose to remain silent during the trial and did not call any witness.
The defendant was accused of a murder that was alleged to have occurred on 10 May 2022 in Bulokalai village.
Kuki allegedly killed an elderly man accused of practicing sorcery which resulted in the death of one of Kuki’s relatives.
In retaliation to the sorcery allegation, four dwelling houses and a kitchen were also burnt to the ground.
Public Prosecutor Olivia Ratu Manu is appearing for the prosecution.
BY ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
Husband awaits trial for wife’s killing
THE man whose wife died days after he allegedly assaulted her last Christmas is in custody awaiting his trial next year.
This was after the High Court refused his bail application recently.
Philip Basikekero, 56, will be standing trial for one count of murder from May 13 to 26 next year.
The defendant was alleged to have punched and kicked is wife’s head several times during an argument on Christmas Day.
They were allegedly drinking alcohol and celebrating the festive season when an argument broke out between them.
Two days after the incident, his wife complained of severe headache and went to the National Referral Hospital (NRH).
Four days after visiting NRH, Basikekero’s wife acted strangely and was rushed to NRH where she died few hours later.
Benham Ifuto’o of the Public Solicitor’s Office represents Basikekero, whilst Public Prosecutor Patricia Tabepuda Waisanau is prosecuting.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
