BY ROMINAH FAKA
A man accused of stealing gold ashes last year pleaded guilty in court yesterday.
Peter Olben pleaded guilty to one count of simple larceny. He was charged alongside two other individuals, Max Gura and Mirriam Keni Sasau (a couple), in connection with the theft of gold ashes.
The matter was adjourned to 24 June 2025 for sentencing and mitigation submissions for Olben, and for a Pre-Trial Conference (PTC) for his co-accused, Max Gura and Mirriam Keni Sasau.
Max Gura and Mirriam Keni Sasau were jointly charged with one count of simple larceny and one count of possession of police property. Both pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Peter Olben was charged separately with one count of simple larceny and pleaded guilty to the charge.
The allegations stem from an incident that occurred on 24 September 2024, when the principal accused, Peter Olben, allegedly stole eight plastic bags of gold ashes weighing 8,992.10 grams.
On 26 September 2024, Max Gura allegedly transported Olben in his vehicle to help him evade police and hid him at his village in Guadalcanal.
It is further alleged that Gura received a portion of the stolen gold ashes from Olben after dropping him off at the hideout.
The third accused, Mirriam Keni Sasau, allegedly sold a portion of the stolen gold ashes and collected approximately $160,000, which she then returned to her husband, Gura, and Olben.
Police also allege that Olben gave Gura and his wife, Keni Sasau, an additional $10,000.
On 3 October 2024, Mrs. Keni Sasau was intercepted by officers from Henderson Police at the Henderson area while attempting to sell another plastic bag containing gold ashes, which she had received from Gura and Olben.
Olben later escaped to Auki and handed the remaining gold ashes to Gura, who sought a buyer. Gura allegedly sold the gold ashes in portions.
Police investigations later discovered that Gura had used the proceeds to purchase several vehicles and distributed them among his family members. He is alleged to have bought a three-door RAV4, a two-tone vehicle, and a Hilux, all of which were shipped to Auki.
Gura and Keni Sasau are also alleged to have purchased a piece of land at Tasahe B, where they are currently building a home.
On 5 December 2024, police executed a search warrant at the residence of Gura and Sasau in Lunga.
During the search, officers reportedly found a small Szeba bottle containing several grams of gold ashes, $6,317.60 in cash, and small medicine-like plastic containers used to store and weigh gold ashes, which still contained gold residue.
Police also discovered police uniforms and other property belonging to the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF).
Iete Tebakota from the Police Prosecution Department is prosecuting the case. Donation Houa of PSO is representing Max Gura, Syvia Pitamama is acting for Peter Olben, and Roria Sikua is representing Mirriam Keni Sasau.
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