BY ROMINAH FAKA

Closing sentencing submissions for five people jointly charged in relation to destroying properties and stealing at Jejevo Village, Isabel province in 2021 will be heard in court this morning.

Defence yesterday sought another short adjournment to today to complete its submissions.

Court made directions for prosecution to appear in court and for defence to complete its submissions.

Jimmy Taea, Godwin Tonny, Hamilton Puza, Joseph Sago and Steward Gift all are facing one count of Going Arm in Public, 13 counts of Willful and Unlawful Damage and three counts of Simple Larceny.

They all pleaded not guilty and a trial was conducted in the Magistrate Court.

The prosecution called nine witnesses whilst defence called about ten witnesses for the trial.

The five defendants were charged in relation to the incident occurred on March 8, 2021 at Jejevo village.

It was alleged that despite a prior agreement between the Jejevo community and a security firm providing security for the Sunshine Mining Company Limited to resolve their differences through dialogue, the mining company resumed operations a week later.

This have led to tensions escalating, which resulting in the Jejevo community seizing three petrol drums belonging to the mining company.

On March 8, 2021, a group of about 20 men including the five accused, armed themselves with knives, spear guns, spears, axes, and rocks and went to Jejevo Village, destroying properties belonging to 13 families and stealing from three individuals.

The total value of the destroyed properties is approximately $350,000, while the stolen items are valued at over $67,000.

Police prosecution department prosecuting, whilst PSO and private law firms for the defence.