The case of a woman accused of a $2 million Kukum warehouse break-in has been adjourned to February 6 as the prosecution seeks time to consider a proposal from the defence.
The accused, Donsia Deresi, 41, is facing one count of house breaking and committing a felony.
Public Prosecutor Grace Chow, appearing on instructions from her colleague Paul Fanasia, informed the Honiara Magistrates’ Court on Thursday that Fanasia had received the defence proposal.
However, she said Fanasia requires time to prepare a memorandum to the Director of Public Prosecutions before responding to the defence.
Ms Chow also advised the court that there is a likelihood of a conflict of interest, as Fanasia may be related to one of the witnesses.
She said if this is confirmed, the matter will be re-allocated to another prosecutor.
Appearing for the defence, Delilah Kukura Fagani of the Public Solicitor’s Office, on behalf of her colleague Donation Houa, said the defence is still awaiting feedback on the proposal from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
When asked by Principal Magistrate Felix Hollison how much time the prosecution required, Ms Chow requested seven days.
Principal Magistrate Hollison subsequently adjourned the matter to 6 February 6 at 9.30am for mention.
Bail for Deresi was extended.
The charge relates to an alleged break-in at the Red Star Shop warehouse in Kukum in the early hours of 29 August 2025, during which items valued at an estimated $2 million were stolen.
The alleged stolen items include 22 bags of beche-de-mer and $100,000 in cash.
Police allege the accused and others used three vehicles to access the warehouse and later concealed the stolen goods in Tenaru, with the intention of retrieving them at a later time.
Deresi was arrested on 29 September 2025.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
