THE court will be hearing bail applications next week for the men accused of robbing the Bank of South Pacific (BSP) in Auki, Malaita Province, last year.
Patrick Talo, John Kiki, Peter Eto Kafa, Solomon Wadily and Nelson Ausolo appeared in the Honiara Magistrate’s Court and case was further adjourned to Monday.
The bail was supposed to be heard on Friday.
The court heard the notice for bail was already before Principal Magistrate Fatima Taeburi, who is currently on sick leave.
Despite the fact that the notice for bail was made before Ms Taeburi, both the defence counsels and the prosecution on Friday insisted that the bail application be heard by Deputy Chief Magistrate Shepherd Lapo.
Public Prosecutor Bradley Dalipanda added that this matter has been adjourned twice by Principal Magistrate Jim Seuika for bail application to be heard before another magistrate.
He then insisted that Mr Lapo hears the bail application.
Deputy Chief Magistrate Shepherd Lapo however said since the notice for bail is already with Ms Taeburi he would give her the chance to hear these bail applications.
He added that he will hear the applications for bail in the event Ms Taeburi is still on sick leave next week.
All accused are facing one count each of armed robbery in relation to the incident on the morning of 27 November last year.
It was alleged that some of the accused were armed with firearms and one of them fired a shot before they went into the bank.
After they allegedly filled up bags with about $200,000 and US$10,000 cash, one of them allegedly fired a shot before they left the scene.
Prosecution alleged the men wore masks at that time.
Lazarus Kwaiga of L & L Lawyers represents Ausolo and Kiki while the rest of the accused were represented by Jenny Namo, Sarah Karani and Ben Alasia of Public Solicitor’s Office.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
