A warrant of arrest has been issued for Loana Sisifiu after she failed to appear in court for a scheduled ruling on her “no case to answer” submission.
Sisifiu is facing 15 counts of conversion, relating to allegations that she dishonestly obtained and converted more than $20,000 from two women.
The court previously heard that between January and April 2023 in Honiara, Sisifiu allegedly collected money from the complainants after promising employment opportunities in Australia.
The funds were reportedly intended to cover airfare, visas, and other travel-related expenses, including transportation upon arrival. However, it is alleged that the money was instead used for her own benefit.
The charges have undergone several amendments, initially filed as 17 counts of false pretences, later reduced to 15 counts of simple larceny, and now standing as 15 counts of conversion.
During the trial, the prosecution called two witnesses—the complainants—before closing its case.
The matter was listed for a ruling yesterday, but Sisifiu and her lawyer failed to attend court. The case was heard in the magistrate’s chambers due to a shortage of available courtrooms.
During the mention, the prosecution informed the court that Sisifiu’s lawyer is responsible for maintaining contact with her. While she had attended previous hearings, she failed to appear on this occasion and was also unrepresented by counsel.
A lawyer from the Public Solicitor’s Office was present but advised the court they were unaware of Sisifiu’s legal representative’s whereabouts, having come directly to court.
In response, the presiding magistrate issued a warrant for Sisifiu’s arrest and adjourned the matter to Wednesday next week.
The court stated that if Sisifiu appears before the adjourned date, or if the warrant is executed, she will be given an opportunity to explain her absence.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
