TWO more men have been remanded in custody over the weekend in connection with the brutal killing of a young man from Makira/Ulawa Province at Borderline, East Honiara on May 17.
The defendants, Rusileta Jimmy and Daua Redley, joined five others who were remanded in custody earlier in the week.
The other five defendants are Hudson Eddie Asuani, Greg Metefaka, Richard Sangula, Junior Danga and Kevin Sibele.
The post mortem report filed to the court revealed that the deceased sustained severe head injuries including two cuts and a star- shaped wound to the back of the head, a cracked scalp, and injury above the left eye.
Principal Magistrate Dalcy Belapitu Oligari remanded the latest two defendants on Saturday, and their matter was adjourned to June 4, when all seven defendants will appear in court.
All seven are charged with the murder of 24 years old Stephanus Wainamo from Wainamo of Napuamarawa, Bwagarei in South Star Harbour.
Prosecution alleged that before attacking the deceased in the early hours of May 17, the accused confronted him, attempting to steal his bag and mobile phone.
When the deceased bravely resisted their robbery, he was subjected to a horrifying and brutal physical attack.
The body of the deceased was found lying on the steps of the Mamulele’s Jacobs ladder in the early hours on 17 May 2025.
Eye witnesses observed the accused running down the Jacob’s ladder shortly before the body was found.
The accused were also seen to meet shortly after the body was found and then separated.
The report states the injuries are consistent with being struck with a blunt smooth object, such as a stone or bricks and strong kicks to the left side belly and left back.
According to the prosecution, on the night of 16 May 2025, the accused were seen drinking and causing disturbances at the Mamulele water catchment area, near a bridge and Jacob’s ladder leading to Milestone.
They allegedly harassed female market vendors, throwing their betel nut and cigarette rolls to the ground while using abusive language.
Crown witnesses reported that this was not an isolated incident, but rather part of consistent pattern of abusive conduct displayed by the accused whenever they consumed alcohol.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
