The ruling on a committal hearing in the case of a woman accused of murdering her partner at Mbokona, Central Honiara, last October has been adjourned to Friday 9 January.

The case of 34-year-old Anna Kefedo was listed for ruling on Wednesday but Principal Magistrate Emily Zazariko Vagibule Pakoa adjourned the matter as she was unwell.

The prosecution had already tendered the committal papers or depositions.

The matter is proceeding by way of a short form preliminary inquiry, following the defence’s earlier election.

If committed, the matter will be transferred to the High Court for trial as the Magistrate’s Court does not have jurisdiction to hear murder cases.

Kefedo has previously pleaded not guilty to one count of Murder in relation to the death of her partner on 19 October 2025 at their home in Mbokona area.

It was alleged that between about 8pm and 10pm, Kefedo and the deceased were at their home in Mbokona when an argument broke out between them.

It was alleged the couple had been consuming alcohol at the time.

The deceased reportedly went to a nearby house to pay for some cigarettes before returning and sitting in front of their home, while Kefedo and another female were sitting at their small veranda.

Upon seeing her partner return, Kefedo allegedly went into their room, took a kitchen knife, walked toward the deceased from behind his back, and stabbed him in the top of his left chest.

The deceased attempted to move away, but became weak. Neighbours intervened and rushed him to the National Referral Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival due to severe blood loss.

By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara