Prosecution has been ordered to advise court on the outcome of police investigation regarding a murder weapon on July 20.
This was after prosecution informed the court that police are yet to locate the weapon allegedly used on July 20, in relation to the murder charge against Joel Abia.
Principal Magistrate Augustine Aulanga said the prosecution will inform court on the status of investigation and whether or not prosecution will proceed on with the committal hearing.
Public Prosecutor Bradley Dalipanda yesterday told the court he liaises with the case officer who told him the alleged murder weapon which was a knife is yet to be located.
He said the case officer echoed the same story on previous occasions when he contacted him regarding that information.
He added that there are rumours that someone has masterminded the alleged murder incident, a principal offender.
But he said this is just rumours and they are waiting for the outcome of the investigations.
He further added it is up to the accused if he wants to enter a plea before that alleged murder weapon is located.
Mr Dalipanda said should there be difficulties in locating the alleged murder weapon, the matter will proceed.
“I will liaise with the case officer on the progress of investigation and will update the court on the next court hearing.
The court heard additional disclosures in this matter will be served to the defence counsel right after the court hearing.
George Gray of Public Solicitor’s Office who represents the accused said they are looking at a short form preliminary inquiry on the matter.
He asked if the disclosures can be served to the defence as they intend to see what is in those additional statements
Abia is facing a murder charge in relation to the alleged incident on April 13, between 9pm and 10pm at the White River field, West Honiara.
Prosecution alleged the deceased was drinking alcohol with two other women and started talking loudly at one of the women when the accused approached them.
It was alleged that the two women ran way, when the accused allegedly slapped the deceased.
The deceased was found later by police lying unconscious on the fields with stab wounds on his ribs and back.
He was taken to the National Referral Hospital but died shortly after.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
