BY ROMINAH FAKA

Magistrate court has set a new trial date for four people charged in the Ministry of Health and Medical million dollars scheme to run from March 3-25, 2025.

Court also confirmed the available presiding principal magistrate will hear the matter on Friday last week.

Court adjourned to December 31 for interim-mention and all defendants are excused from appearing until February 12, 2025 where the four defendants must appear in court.

Stephen Dalipanda Kido, Robert Manu, Dalcy Maena and Randy Hatigeva are charged each with two counts of False Pretence contrary to section 308 (a) of the Penal Code, Cap 26.

The matter was remitted back to the Magistrate Court last year and a joint charged amended and filed with two counts of False Pretences against the four defendants Dalipanda, Maena, Hatigeva and Manu.

It was alleged in both counts that the defendants caused a total sum of $1,594,935.10 to be paid to Joke Shipping Services by False pretence.

Prosecution further alleged Dalipanda approved some payments that form part of the said amount while Hatigeva allegedly endorsed the payments and other documents.

Maena allegedly processed fictious quotes, invoices and claims for non-executed services or duplicated payments from fake shipping including a private company that she set up.

Prosecution further alleged Manu processed some payments to two non-genuine shipping companies.

It was alleged that these millions of dollars were aid donor funding and Solomon Islands Government money purposely to support and improve rural health services.

Public Prosecution Office appears for the crown whilst Public Solicitor Office appears for Dalipanda and Maena and Private law firm appears for Manu and Hatigeva.