MORE time has been sought to allow police to complete their investigation into the case of seven men charged with the killing of a student last month at Borderline, East Honiara.

The defendants – Hudson Eddie Asuani, Greg Metefaka, Richard Sangula, Junior Danga Kevin Sibele, Rusileta Jimmy and Daua Redley are facing the charge of murder in connection to the death of 24-year-old Stephanus Wainamo.

On Wednesday, Public Prosecutor Olivia Ratu Manu updated the court that the investigation is yet to be completed.

She added that there are several tasks the police need to complete before finishing the investigation.

Mrs. Manu also stated that the prosecution will consolidate the cases of the defendants on the next court date.

“At this stage, we have not received representation from the accused,” she told the court.

“We have prepared partial disclosures, but we are yet to receive confirmation as to who will be their lawyers.”

When asked by the magistrate about the number of statements already filed, Mrs Manu said there are currently more than 10, but they are liaising with the police to obtain additional statements from some witnesses.

The court also heard the prosecution is yet to obtain the autopsy report.

Mrs Manu therefore requested more time to allow the police to complete the investigation properly, considering the number of defendants and case’s complexity.

The Deputy Chief Magistrate granted the prosecution’s application, adjourning the case to June 18 at 9am, and noted that the serious charge and multiple defendants required additional time.

He also urged the defendants to find lawyers. 

The prosecution alleged that before attacking the deceased in the early hours of May 17, the accused confronted him, attempted to steal his bag and mobile phone.

When the deceased resisted, he was attacked.

The body of the deceased was found on the steps of Mamulele’s Jacobs ladder, with a post-mortem report revealing severe head injuries, including two cuts and a star-shaped wound to the back of the head.

The prosecution alleges that the accused had been drinking and causing disturbances at the Mamulele water catchment area earlier that night, harassing female market vendors and using abusive language.
Crown witnesses described this incident as part of a consistent pattern of abusive conduct displayed by the accused when they consumed alcohol.
The accused were remanded on different dates last month and will make their first appearance in court.

By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN

Solomon Star, Honiara