TRIAL of two brothers accused of burgling properties worth over $42,000 and $334,000 in cash from a building in the Fangs area at Tandai in West Honiara is underway this week.
Joe Malau, 31 and Matthew Malau, 34, are facing trial for the charge of Burglary before Deputy Chief Magistrate Ricky Rongomea.
The alleged incident occurred on 10 June 2024.
The complainant was still inside his shop JX Enterprise when the three defendants allegedly drove though the eastern gate in a white Caldina car.
They allegedly parked the car went went upstairs of the building, damaging the door lock.
They went inside the room and removed cartons of bro cigarettes, Pall Mall cigarettes, s\Solbako, two Huawei mobile phones and $334,000 in cash before escaping back to the car.
The total cost of all the properties removed that night is $42,200.
The defendants already left the scene before the security officer’s wife and another Chinese female discovered the break-in.
They alerted the police and the Malaus were arrested at around 10pm after the incident.
Public Solicitor’s lawyers Ron Dicky Pulekera, Bobby Harunari and Rochelle Palmer represent the three defendants, while Public Prosecutor Irene Mae appears for the Crown.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
