THE pre-trial hearing on the case of the men accused of robbing two Asians outside of the Bank of South Pacific (BSP) at Point Cruz earlier this year is yet to be conducted.
This was because the pre-trial documents are yet to be finalised between the prosecution and the defence counsels.
The matter was mentioned yesterday in the Honiara Magistrates’ Court and was further adjourned to October 19.
This is to allow the mater to be mentioned before Deputy Chief Magistrate Shepherd Lapo who has been hearing this matter.
Mr Lapo is currently in the province on a court circuit.
This is also to give time for prosecution and the defence to finalise the pre-trial conference documents as well.
Principal Magistrate Fatima Taeburi, who mentioned the matter on behalf of Mr Lapo, ordered that all pre-trial conference documents be filed by close of business on October 18.
Two of the accused persons namely David Faiga and Ben Farobo are also waiting for the court to deliver its ruling in relation to their bail applications made on previous hearings.
Stanley Ramo, Eric Junior Nathaniel, Richard Rurai, Farobo and Faiga are jointly charged with one count of armed robbery and unlawful wounding.
These were in relation to the allegation on the morning of 18 January outside of the former Westpac bank, now the BSP.
They allegedly robbed a carton containing $1 million from two Asians who were on their way into the bank to make deposits.
Prosecution alleged that while one of the accused waited in a car parked outside the bank, others went and attacked the complainant and grabbed the carton containing the money.
They allegedly escaped in the car but were shortly arrested, charged and placed in custody.
Police alleged that the men were all masked and one of them was armed with a knife.
Anderson Kesaka of DNS & Partners represents Rurai, Private Lawyer Wayne Ghemu is representing Faiga while Public Solicitor’s lawyers Ben Alasia, Lazarus Waroka, Jenny Namoand Sarah Karani represent the others.
Appearing for the Crown on Wednesday is Public Prosecutor Ishmael Kekou.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
