A MAN from Savo is dead following an argument over a price of a 500gram packet of sugar over the weekend at Yandina, Russell Islands, Central Islands province.
As a result a man, 63, is facing murder for allegedly stabbing the 39 years old father on the chest.
The suspect, Abraham Kaveru, who faces one count of murder appeared before the Honiara Magistrates’ Court yesterday and a 14- day remand application was made for his remand.
He was accused of stabbing the deceased with a fishing knife following an argument between them over the price of a packet of a 500 gram of sugar.
The incident occurred on Saturday (8 July 2017) at Yandina.
Prosecution alleged the deceased was not happy with the price of a 500gram sugar which the accused sold at his canteen for $10.
The deceased sent his young son with $10 to buy that 500gram of sugar on which he thought its price was $8.
However, when the deceased’s son returned with no $2 change, the deceased was not happy and then went to the accused’s canteen and gave back the sugar.
An argument allegedly broke out over the price of the sugar followed by exchange of swearing words.
It was alleged that when the deceased grabbed Kaveru’s shirt, the suspect (Kaveru) then grabbed hold of a fishing knife next to him and allegedly stabbed the deceased on his chest.
The deceased was said to have fallen to the ground unconscious.
Kaveru is due in court again on July 24. He is yet to be legally represented.
Public Prosecutor Elizabeth Tito who appeared on behalf of the Crown made the application for the accused’s remand and it was granted by Principal Magistrate Augustine Aulanga.
Sergeant Jones Dagi who looked after Yandina Police station yesterday confirmed the incident to the Solomon Star.
“The incident happened after a short argument on Saturday morning.
“The deceased sent his small son to go and buy a packet of sugar 500gram from the suspect’s canteen.
“But when his son return with no change the deceased not satisfied, went to the suspect who was sitting his kitchen trying to prepare some bananas to cook that morning.
“When the deceased arrived, he asked for his change.
“The suspect told him that he just recently increase the prize of the 500g sugar from $8 to $10.
“The deceased was not happy and an argument broke out.”
Mr Dagi said, while they continue to argue, the deceased moved forward and grabbed the suspect’s shirt.
It was then that the suspect allegedly stabbed the deceased with a fishing knife and the deceased fell down.
They rushed the deceased to Yandina hospital and then to Honiara where he dead on the way.
Mr Dagi said that the police arrested the suspect straight afterwards where he (Kaveru) was transported to Honiara the same day.
He said at the moment police are continuing with the investigation about the incident.
He appealed to both parties to stay calm and let the police carry out their work.
A statement from the Police Media Unit yesterday also confirmed the incident.
Central Islands Province Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Superintendent Patricia Leta, also thanked Yandina community for their assistance in the fast apprehension of the suspect.
“The suspect was arrested quickly because of the great assistance from members of the Yandina Crime Prevention Committee after the incident.
“An understanding has been reached between family members and relatives of the deceased and the suspect.
“I call on family members and relatives of the deceased to allow the police and the courts to deal with this unfortunate incident,” said PPC Leta.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN & LESLEY SANGA
