Prosecution will be conducting further investigations into an arson case to determine whether the accused, David Tepala, 35, is responsible for the fire or if it was an electrical fault..

Tepala, who has denied the allegation, faces one count of Arson.

The matter is currently in the pre-trial conference stage.

In court yesterday, Public Prosecutor Nickson Tonowane requested more time to investigate the cause of the fire.

He said police investigator will review reports from Solomon Power Company, which had performed work at the area before the incident.

The court has adjourned the matter until June 2 at 10am for further mention.

By then, the prosecution is expected to provide an update on the evidence, determining whether the fire was caused by a faulty electrical line or the accused’s illegal actions.

The arson incident occurred on 30 March 2025 at Maromaro area, Honiara.

Tepala, a mechanic for the Rainbow Company, resides in the company compound with his wife.

The complainant, a Chinese national and owner of the Rainbow Company, reported the incident to the police.

According to the allegation, on 30 March 2025, between 6pm and 7pm, the complainant received a call from his employee informing him that Tepala had set fire to a house, which accommodated company staff at Maromaro.

The complainant drove to the scene, called the fire service and at around 8pm, the police service arrived and managed to control the fire.

Tepala was identified at the scene and escorted to the police station by the complainant’s group.

By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN

Solomon Star, Honiara