POLICE are still investigating the matter of the alleged Militia leader who allegedly planned to burn down the Maramara Housing Estate Development Building and State-Owned properties, the court has heard.
The prosecution will on June 9 update the court on the status of police investigation into this matter.
John Damusi, 53, is facing four counts of Conspiracy to Commit an Offence, contrary to contrary to sections 19, and 3 (1) (A) of the Counter-Terrorism Act of 2009.
It was alleged that Damusi is the leader of an integrated group of former militants from the defunct Malaita Eagle Force (MEF) and Isatabu Freedom Movement (IFM).
The group allegedly planned to use petrol to burn down the Mamara Housing Estate Development Building and attack other State-Owned properties on 15 May 2023.
It was further alleged that Damusi facilitated several meetings with MEF and IFM, some of which he himself chaired and at least one of which was conducted at his residence in Northwest Guadalcanal.
The meetings were allegedly to discuss the grievances of former militants, their displeasure with former and current governments’ prolonging the addressing of their rehabilitation claims.
During the meetings, it was alleged that the group discussed several action plans to destroy and damage by fire critical infrastructures owned by the state.
However, their plans did not eventuate and shortly later, police arrested, charged and remanded Damusi.
Other suspects were however released on police bail, pending investigations.
Public Solicitor, George Gray, is representing Damusi, whilst the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Rachel Olutimayin, is prosecuting.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
