POLICE have not recovered the firearm allegedly used in the robbery incident at the Bank of South Pacific (BSP) in Auki, Malaita Province.
Public Prosecutor Bradley Dalipanda informed the court this week that police ended up on Faka Island in Suava Bay after a tip-off from someone, but did not locate the firearm.
He said that person is willing to give his statement to police and is now currently in process of doing so.
Mr Dalipanda said the only hiccup in prolonging the interview was because of the recent shooting incident at Walo Village which attracted the understaffed Auki police.
But he added that hopefully by this week, they should finalise the interview with the informant.
With the statement from this informant and another statement from the Principal of a School in Malaita, prosecution now has only four more witnesses to be interviewed.
The court also heard yesterday that Public Solicitor’s Lawyers Jenny Namo will represent Patrick Talo while Ben Alasia will represent Peter Eto Kafa.
The prosecution also provided disclosures for the new lawyers.
Some of the lawyers also indicated submitting proposals to the prosecutions.
Deputy Chief Magistrate Shepherd Lapo having heard from all the counsels adjourned the matter to August 9.
This is to give time for the new lawyers to take instructions from their clients before the next court hearing.
The court will be informed on the next court appearance the next step to take on the matter.
Solomon Wadily, John Kiki, Nelson Ausolo, Talo and Kaka are accused of robbing the Auki BSP bank on the morning of 27 November last year.
Prosecution alleged some of the men were armed with firearms and fired a shot before they went into the bank.
They allegedly filled up bags with about (SBD) $200,000 and (US) $10,000 while one of them was standing guard outside the bank.
Prosecution further alleged that before they took off from the bank, another gun shot was fired.
They were all also allegedly wearing masks at that time.
Lazarus Kwaiga of L & L Lawyers represents Kiki and Ausolo while Sarah Karani of Public Solicitor’s Office is representing Wadily.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
