Waneoroa petition strikeout application
AN APPLICATION to strike out the election petition case filed against Member of Parliament (MP) for North Malaita, Daniel Suilea Waneoroa is being heard in the High Court.
The case is listed to be heard by Judge Michael Pitakaka at 9.30am in court room 5.
A former MP for North Malaita, Jimmy Lusibaea filed the petition against Mr Waneoroa after he lost his bid to return to Parliament.
He filed the petition on two grounds of Bribery – one for Tampering and the other for Unlawful Voting.
MP Waneoroa then filed an application to strike out the petition on grounds that it is frivolous and vexatious in nature.
They challenged the pleadings on the petitions, asserting that they are improper and lack merit for trial.
Evan Olofia of L & L lawyers represents MP Waneoroa, whilst Mr Lusibaea engages Taupongi Law Practice.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
Second complainant in rape trial to give evidence
THE hearing of evidences in the trial of the man accused of raping his nieces aged 14 and eight in 2022 and 2023 in Guadalcanal Province will continue on Wednesday in the High Court.
The man who could not be named to protect the identity of the victims is on trial for one count of Sexual Intercourse with a Child under 15 and one count of Persistent Sexual Abuse of a Child.
The trial was held in a closed court before Judge John Keniapisia due to the victims’ young age.
The first Crown witness is one of the victims who had completed her evidence on Monday.
She was only eight years old when the incident happened.
The victim was allegedly sweeping outside their house, when the defendant showed her his private body part to her.
When the victim tried to escape, the defendant allegedly shot her leg with a stone, causing her to fall.
As she was on the ground, the defendant allegedly went to her and carried her into his house where he sexually abused and raped her.
He gave the victim money after the incident.
The second Crown witness, who was 14 years old when the incident occurred, gives her evidence today, Tuesday.
The prosecution alleged the defendant threatened her with a bush knife and raped her on two occasions in 2022.
In January 2023, the defendant again committed the offence on the same victim when she was on her way home after selling cassava at the Kastom Garden Market.
The prosecution alleged that after these incidents, the defendant fled into hiding.
After seven months of hiding, the defendant returned at 4am on 21 August 2023 to his sister’s house where he indecently assaulted his other niece and that was when he was spotted and captured by some people living in the area.
Delilah Kukura of Public Solicitor’s Office represents the defendant, whilst Public Prosecutors Hellen Naqu and Georgina Oroi appear for the Crown.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
