POLICE are still investigating the case of a young man who allegedly stabbed to death a man at Shortland Islands, Western Province early this year.
Martin Rapena, 18, briefly appeared in the Honiara Magistrates’ Court yesterday and his matter was further adjourned to 7 May.
Public Prosecutor Olivia Ratu who appeared on instructions of her colleague Maito’oHauirae said, police is still investigating the
matter.
The court heard yesterday that part disclosures have already been served to the defence counsel.
She said Hauirae is yet to contact Gizo police for the remaining disclosures.
Lazarus Kwaiga of Public Solicitor’s Office confirmed receiving part of the disclosures and sought adjournment to get instructions from his client.
Ms Ratu made no objection to the defence’s application for an adjournment.
Principal Magistrate Ricky Iomea therefore adjourned the matter and ordered prosecution to contact investigators in this matter and if investigation is completed to provide the remaining disclosures.
Rapena was initially charged with unlawful wounding but was later charged with murder following the deceased’s death at the National Referral Hospital (NRH).
Rapena of Komaliae village at Shortland Islands allegedly stabbed the deceased on morning of 1 January 2015.
Police alleged that on New Year’s Eve night, the deceased was drinking alcohol with his friends and then allegedly went to see a female partner.
The following day, on New Year’s Day, the father of the victim went out looking for his son and after locating him somewhere on the point of the village escorted him back home.
It was alleged that while on their way home, they meet Rapena who asked the deceased who made the love bites on his neck.
The deceased allegedly looked Rapena in the eye and called out the name of Rapena’s sister to which the accused was allegedly not happy about.
It was when the deceased and his father continued on walking towards their home that Rapena allegedly caught up with them again.
Rapena allegedly hugged the deceased and stabbed him on his right abdominal before pulling out the knife.
Police alleged that Rapena then turned back said he already stabbed a man and went away.
The father of the deceased allegedly picked up his wounded son and took him back to their home and later taken to Nila Clinic.
That same day, the deceased was transported to Taro Hospital where he was admitted until the following day where he was further transferred to Gizo Hospital.
He was later flown over to the NRH where he died on 9 January this year.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
