THE TRIAL on the case of the Member of Parliament for East Guadalcanal Bradley Tovosia and Guadalcanal Premier Anthony Veke will resume Monday next week.
This was because lawyer representing Tovosia, Nuatali Tongarutu, was feeling unwell and therefore could not stand in for the trial yesterday.
Public Prosecutor Andie Driu though not objecting to the adjournment given that Ms Tongarutu is unwell raised a concern regarding the cost of the witnesses’ accommodation and allowances.
“Two of the 13 prosecution’s witnesses were brought over to Honiara and being accommodated and given allowance by the State whilst here for the trial,” Ms Driu said.
She said this delay is costing the State.
Two bank offices have already testified in court after prosecution opened its case on Monday, leaving 11 more witnesses to be called.
Tovosia and Veke are jointly charged with four counts of abuse of office and seven counts of attempted abuse of office.
This was in relation to allegation in July 2010 when Tovosia was working was working with the Guadalcanal Provincial Assembly and Veke as the Finance Minister for the province.
This relates to $55, 000 they allegedly obtained from the Guadalcanal Provincial Assembly salary account and around $100, 000 of which they allegedly tried to withdraw from that same account.
Anderson Kesaka of DNS & Partners represents Veke while Nuatali Tongarutu of ANT Legal Service represents Tovosia.
Appearing for the Crown is Police Prosecution’s Advisor Andie Driu and prosecutor Ethel Mae’ue.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
