A MAN accused of a murder in East Kwaio has entered a not-guilty plea before the Honiara Magistrates’ Court, with a ruling on his committal to the High Court expected on Monday 24th November 2025.
Jimson Safoa, who faces one count of murder, entered his not guilty plea last week before Deputy Chief Magistrate Ricky Rongomea.
A short-form preliminary inquiry was then conducted during which the prosecution tendered the depositions for the court’s consideration.
The allegation relates to an incident on 12 June this year near Jordan Village in East Kwaio, where Safoa had allegedly attended a custom settlement concerning a dispute involving his family.
During the settlement, the deceased is said to have attacked Safoa with a bush knife, prompting Safoa to allegedly retaliate by striking the man’s hand with his own bush knife.
The injured man later died from heavy bleeding, and the matter was reported to police, resulting in Safoa’s arrest.
DCM Rongomea adjourned the case to Monday for his ruling on whether Safoa will be committed to stand trial in the High Court.
Donation Houa of Public Solicitor’s Office represents Safoa, while Public Prosecutor Nickson Tonowane appears for the Crown.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
