THE Director of Public Prosecutions is greatly concern about securing its witnesses’ attendance in an upcoming murder trial in relation to the brutal killing of a man in East Guadalcanal back in 2011.
This was after the DPP office was informed on Friday that its witnesses have been threatened by on the run suspects in this murder case.
The DPP Ronald Bei Talasasa said a prompt listing of the trial would be helpful and the arrest of the main suspect in this murder case who is still at large would help.
Guadalcanal man Harold Saea, 42, who faces one count of murder was supposed to go on a week trial beginning on Monday this week.
The prosecution and the defence counsel are ready for the trial but the presiding judge was not available as he is currently out of the country.
As a result, the case has been de-listed and will be called over on April 17 where a possible new trial date will be set.
Now with the alleged threats made to the prosecution witnesses, the DPP wants the hearing to be done with as quickly as possible to avoid non-appearance of the witnesses if the hearing is delayed.
Saea was accused of being part of a group of men who allegedly on March 1, 2011 disturbed a reconciliation meeting at Dudula village in East Guadalcanal.
The deceased was also attending the meeting that was about to start when the accused’s group arrived.
The meeting was organised by chiefs in that area to settle claims that a little girl died as a result of sorcery.
Saea’s group allegedly came and argued with the deceased’s group and a fight broke out.
The main suspect in this murder case whose name has been withheld as he is still on the run from police chased the deceased with a bayonet.
Saea then allegedly intercepted the deceased and when the deceased fell on to the ground, he assaulted him.
The main suspect allegedly took a bush knife where he brutally butchered open the deceased’s belly.
The deceased died shortly after he was butchered.
Lappy Hite of Public Solicitor’s Office represents Saea while Crown Prosecutor Natalie Kesaka is representing the State.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
