Seven men accused of burning down a house at East Central Guadalcanal in relation to a logging dispute with supporters of another logging company will be appearing in court again, Tuesday.
This is when prosecution will confirmed to the court on what section under the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC) to withdraw the arson charges against them.
If police are yet to continue with its investigation, the matter will be withdrawn under section 190 (2) (b) (ii) of the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC).
This will give police a chance to hunt for evidences.
In the event police find sufficient evidences, the arson charge can be reinstated against all accused.
But if police confirmed investigations have completed, the arson charge will be withdrawn under section 190 (2) (b) (i) of the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC) due to insufficient evidence.
This section provides for an acquittal which means all accused persons will be free from the arson charge.
Patteson Thugatia, 45, Jonathan Manetavua, Francis Saemala 29, Thomas Bosamete, 49, John Maneava, 37, Michael Nonile and Charles Elliot Manekana, 39 are facing charges of arson, robbery, Intimidation, armed with offensive weapon and criminal trespass.
These were in relation to the allegation on 18 January this year at Bokororo at Aola area.
The accused were allegedly supporters of the Earth Movers logging company while the other party were the supporter of SINO Capital logging Company.
Prosecution alleged the accused went to where the other party were residing and burnt down a house belonging to the chief surveyor of the SINO Capital logging company.
They then allegedly robbed properties and allegedly threatened the supporters of SINO Capital logging company.
Ronald Dive of Emerald Lawyers who represents all the accused has earlier submitted a written proposal to the prosecution regarding the charges last week.
This is for prosecution to consider withdrawing most of the charges against charges against his clients due to insufficient evidences.
Public Prosecutor Jasper Anisi represents the Crown in this matter.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN