THE case of the men accused of robbing the Bank of South Pacific (BSP) in Auki, Malaita Province, in 2015 will return to the court again on March 8.
The adjournment was made to give time for Sarah Karani of the Public Solicitor’s office to obtain instructions from her client, Solomon Wadily, who offered to become a prosecution witness, to confirm his position.
The prosecution was also ordered to inform Ms Karani before the next mention of their position in relation to Wadily in writing.
The court had heard Wadily has offered to become a Crown witness, but prosecution is yet to respond as to whether the charge against him will be withdrawn or he will be provided immunity with conditions attached.
Public Prosecutor Bradley Dalipanda said the memo regarding the offer is with them and ready to be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
He however, said Ms Karani had informed him wanting to speak with her client first to get assurance from him before that memo is sent to the DPP.
Principal Magistrate Fatima Taeburi said they need to resolve this issue first before the pre-trial conference of all the other accused is done.
She said the directions for the pre-trial conference will be made in court also on the next court appearance.
Patrick Talo, Peter Eto Kafa, John Kiki, Nelson Ausolo and Wadily are accused of robbing the Auki BSP bank on the morning of 27 November, 2015.
Prosecution alleged some of the men were armed with firearms and fired a shot before they went into the bank.
They allegedly filled up bags with about $200,000 and US$10,000 while one of them was standing guard outside the bank.
Prosecution further alleged that before they took off from the bank, another gun shot was fired.
They were allegedly wearing masks at that time.
Mr Kwaiga represents Kiki and Ausolo while Public Solicitor’s lawyers, Ben Alasia and Jenny Namo represented Kafa and Talo.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
