Closing submissions in the trial of a man accused of raping and murdering a woman at Ngella, Central Islands Province, last year will be made on December 15.
The defendant, Joe Koti, 42, faces charges of rape and murder.
The trial began in August, during which the prosecution presented seven witnesses before Judge Emmanuel Kouhota.
At the conclusion of the prosecution’s case, the defence made a no case to answer submission, arguing that there was insufficient evidence to require Koti to present a defence and requesting the court to acquit him on both charges.
However, Justice Kouhota ruled that there was a case for Koti to answer on both charges, requiring him to present his defence.
A date was then set for the defence case from December 1 to 3.
When the case returned to court, Koti chose to remain silent and did not call any witnesses.
The court has now adjourned the case for closing submissions on December 15.
The alleged incident took place between August 25 and 26, 2024, when the 31-year-old victim and her family were attending a gathering at New Vuhuha, Ngella.
After the family gathering ended around midnight, the victim and two other women stayed behind to clean up.
During this time, a man named John Loleni visited and gave the victim some fish.
The victim then decided to return a borrowed pot to a neighbouring house, about 40-50 meters away.
However, she did not return for over an hour, raising concerns among the two women waiting for her.
When the victim eventually returned, she was in a distressed state and had sustained serious injuries.
She told the two women that she had been attacked by Koti, who allegedly raped her.
Despite her critical condition, she managed to provide details of the incident.
The victim’s condition rapidly deteriorated, and she became unconscious.
She was taken to Tulagi Hospital on the morning of August 26, 2024 for medical treatment, and later referred to the National Referral Hospital (NRH) for further care.
Unfortunately, she was pronounced dead upon arrival at NRH.
Benham Ifuto’o and Thompson Fuiga of the Public Solicitor’s Office represent Koti, while Public Prosecutor John Wesley Zoze appears for the Crown.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
