THE prosecution has been given more time to review the facts in the case of a man facing multiple false pretence charges.
The defendant Chrisbane Habala, 47, is facing 11 counts of false pretences and 18 counts of uttering a false document.
The defendant’s charges may be amended following the review.
His matter was mentioned in the Honiara Magistrate’s Court yesterday and was adjourned until January 31.
That is when the prosecution will update the court on whether they intend to proceed with the current charges or amend them.
Habala, a former sales manager at Honiara-based Raretech Enterprises, is alleged to have provided false invoices from competitors to the Ministry of Mines Energy and Rural Electrification in 2021, 2022, and 2023.
This allegedly enabled Raretech Enterprises to submit the lowest quotations for goods and services, ultimately securing contracts worth almost $400,000 over two years.
Raretech Enterprises is a Honiara based business which supplies ICT equipment and services.
An investigation by Taskforce Janus, a specialist unit comprising officers from the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and the Ministry of Finance and Treasury’s internal audit office, led to Habala’s arrest.
Taskforce Janus was established in August 2016.
Public Solicitor George Gray represents Habala, while Public Prosecutor Sabrina Habu appeared for the Crown.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
