Alleged illegal voter’s final sub deferred
FINAL submissions on the matter of the man who stood trial for allegedly registered in several constituencies using different names in 2018 to vote at the Last National General Election has been further deferred.
Alif Vai’s lawyer Ben Alasia of Public Solicitor’s Office was reportedly sick this week and therefore sought an adjournment to Monday next week for the final submissions.
Having heard from Ben Alasia’s colleague Emi Rusi, Principal Magistrate Felix Hollison granted the adjournment to Monday next week.
The 50 year-old accused had been tried in a trial for seven counts of obtaining registration licence by false pretence.
Prosecution called two witnesses for their case at the trial.
They are an IT specialist who keeps the database for the Electoral Commission and the police officer who arrested Vai.
The defence had opted to remain silent for the defence case.
Coming to the end of the trial, the matter is now for the prosecutor and the defence to make their closing submission or closing arguments.
Closing submissions allowed both parties to summarise the evidences heard in court during the trial in order to persuade the magistrate to decide the case in their favour.
Vai was accused of committing the offences during the registration period in 2018 for the 2019 National General Election.
Prosecution alleged Vai registered in seven different constituencies using seven different names, dates of birth and other details on each occasions.
Public Prosecutor Olivia Manu is appearing for the Crown in this matter.
Last April’s curfew case for judgment
THE fate of a man who allegedly breached the curfew last April at the Kukum Hot bread roundabout area will be known by Monday next week.
Faramus Molea, 41, had stood trial for one count of restriction of movement in Honiara.
This is contrary to clause 4 (1) (a) (ii) and (b) of the Emergency Powers (COVID-19), (Restriction of Movement in Honiara) Order 2020, as read with Regulation 12 (1) and (3) of the Emergency Powers (COVID-19) Regulations 2020.
Molea’s matter is now for the judgment on Monday next week.
On 11th April 2020, Molea was allegedly drunk and sighted by officers on duty at Kukum hot bread roundabout area.
This was about 9.21pm during the curfew period.
His place of residence at that time is at Lau Valley
The defence’s argument at the trial was that the definition of the ‘emergency zone’ boundaries is uncertain for the purposes of the curfew order.
Hence, it is uncertain whether the defendant’s place of residence is within Honiara Emergency Zone or not so that the curfew would apply to him.
Winwin robbery to voir dire hearing next week
CONTINUATION of the voir dire hearing or trial within a trial on the matter of some of the men accused of the robbery at the Winwin Mining Camp in Northeast Guadalcanal will be conducted next week.
Chief Magistrate Emma Garo yesterday set down Tuesday next week for the continuation of the voir dire hearing.
The hearing will be conducted on only two of the accused as hearing for the other three accused were already completed.
Five of the nine accused are challenging their admission made during the Record of Interview with the police.
Once the voir dire hearing is completed and a ruling delivered, the trial proper on this robbery matter will commence.
Norman Garnita, Martin Maelifanua, Ken Anilava, Harrison Ramo, Olson Seda, Watson Tabaliau, Samo Kabolo, Samson Sake and Greg Hurainima are each facing various charges of armed robbery and impersonating police officer.
They are facing charges in relation to the alleged armed robbery which occurred in the early hours of 9th December 2020 at Winwin mining camp in north east Guadalcanal.
The prosecution alleged the men entered the mining camp in a G-plated land cruiser and robbed two gold bars, $140,000 in cash and 15 mobile phones.
Some of the men were allegedly wore balaclavas and some of them were allegedly armed with pepper spray.
It was also alleged they wore police sky blue uniform and police t-shirts.
So far only two mobile phones have been recovered, the court previously heard.
Lawyers from the Public Solicitor’s Office and Private Lawyer Ben Etomea represent the accused while Public Prosecutor Vernon Taupongi is prosecuting.
