The voir dire hearing (trial within a trial) on the case of four men facing various robbery charges will continue tomorrow in the Honiara Magistrate’s Court.
The hearing that was listed for two weeks starting on 1 November is not yet completed.
Frank Firimolea, Lawrence Liliva, Fred Taebo Dara and a 15 year-old juvenile are challenging their record of interview with police.
They claim their record of interview was done unfairly and involuntary.
Principal Magistrate Jim Seuika after yesterday’s hearing adjourned the matter to continue tomorrow.
All accused are facing various charges of armed robbery and robbery allegations that were said to have occurred in Honiara in May and June last year.
Prosecution alleged that during those months, there were a number of armed robbery and break-ins cases reported to police from the Ngossi area, west Honiara; to Ranadi, east Honiara.
The incidents involved a group of armed masked men between the ages of 15 to 30.
The accused were allegedly said to be part of this group of armed masked men.
It was alleged this group invaded homes of expatriates, businesses peoples, as well as those of Solomon Islanders and removed valuable properties and money.
A number of home owners sustained injuries during the robbery incidents and some have to be flown overseas for medical treatment.
The Public Solicitor’s lawyers are representing the accused men while Police Prosecutor Moses Reani is prosecuting.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
