BY ROMINAH FAKA
The Magistrate Court has remanded five people for the alleged killing of a 24-year-old person from Star Harbour, Makira/Ulawa province.
On Wednesday this week prosecution remanded three defendants namely; Junior Danganabe’u, Richard Sangula and Kevin Sibele before Principal Magistrate, Elma Veenah Rizzu Hilly and yesterday afternoon court remanded another two defendants namely, Hudson Eddie Asuani and Greg Metefaka.
These five defendants were charged together for murder contrary to section 200 of Penal Code [Cap 26].
Prosecution seeks to remand these defendants on the grounds of the nature and seriousness of the offence murder, as it carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Also, in regards to the strength of the evidence, post-mortem revealed that the deceased sustained severe head injuries, including two cuts, a star-shaped wound to the back of the head, a cracked scalp and injury above the left eye.
The injury is consistent with being struck with a blunt smooth object, such as a stone or brick and strong kicks to the left side of the stomach and left side of the back.
Further to that, there is risk of interference with the witnesses and risk of flight, as the accused may abscond.
As for further investigations, as suspects are being identified and located, forensic analysis of the scene and recovered clothing is pending as well as additional witness statements.
The matter has been adjourned to June 4, 2025 for further mention and remand for the accused has been further extended.
Prosecution alleged that on the evening of Friday 16, May 2025, the five defendants were seen drinking and causing disturbance at the Mamulele water catchment area, near a bridge and Jacob ladder leading up to Milestone.
At approximately 3am on Saturday, 17th of May 2025, it was alleged that a body of a male person was discovered lying on the steps of the Jacob ladder. The male person was not responding but still breathing.
An eyewitness stated the defendant was running down the Jacob ladder shortly before the body was found.
Witnesses heard defendant Richard Sangula saying in pidjin “boy ba, ting mas die naya”.
Shortly after, Richard met with defendant Kevin Sibele’s girlfriend and the two swapped shirts. He gave her a red T-Shirt he was wearing at the time.
The reason for this act remains suspicious and unexplained, however with the use of ultraviolet, it was later confirmed that the shirt had blood stains on it.
Police further alleged that defendant Kevin also prevented his girlfriend from viewing the body, by attempting to hide evidence or details of the crime scene.
Post-mortem revealed that the deceased sustained severe head injuries including two cuts, a star shaped wound to the back of the head, a cracked scalp and injury above the left eye.
This injury is said to be consistent by use of a blunt smooth object, such as a stone or brick along with a strong kick to the left side of the belly and left back.
On Monday, 19th of May, police arrested the five defendants and remanded them. Investigation into the matter continues.
Jonathan Auga from Public Prosecution Office appears for crown.
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