The hearing of evidence in the case of an 18-year-old man accused of causing a fatal accident at GPPOL 1, Guadalcanal, last August will commence on Monday 2nd March in the Honiara Magistrate’s Court.
The accused, Brian Chako, has previously pleaded not guilty to one count of Causing Death by Reckless and Dangerous Driving and one count of Driving Without a Driver’s Licence.
The matter came before the court on Friday for an interim mention, during which the prosecution informed the court that it intends to call seven witnesses.
Arrangements are currently being made to ensure the witnesses are available for the trial.
After hearing from the prosecution, Principal Magistrate Felix Hollison adjourned the matter to Monday for the commencement of the trial.
The alleged incident occurred on 31 August 2025 between 10am and 11am.
According to the prosecution, the deceased and 10 relatives were travelling in a Hilux vehicle driven by Chako en route to Soso Village.
It is alleged that while driving at high speed along the stretch of road between the junction leading to Gold Ridge and Navola Village, Chako lost control of the vehicle, causing it to veer off the road and overturn.
The deceased was reportedly trapped beneath the vehicle and was later pronounced dead at Good Samaritan Hospital between 1pm and 2pm the same day.
Other passengers were treated for injuries at the same hospital.
The matter was reported to Henderson Police Post later that afternoon, and Chako was arrested shortly afterwards.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
