The case of sea piracy and murder involving six men from Tatana village on August 15 last year is still before the Committal Courts.
This case has been outstanding because the court is awaiting submissions from the six defendants’ lawyers.
It went for mention on Monday during a Committal Court sitting before Magistrate John Kaumi at Bomana, where he adjourned the case to July 17.
He told the men of Tatana village; Peter Kavea, Bobby Rarua, Boge Madaha Kevau, Leka Alex Rabia, Tatana Kapia and Nolan Lawrence William that their lawyers' submissions are vital in assisting him decide if there is enough evidence for their case to either be committed to the National Court for trial or be dismissed at the District Court level.
The six men were arrested and charged with piracy and the murder of a 35-year-old man from Roku village, Central Province, on Aug 15, 2016.
They first appeared in court on October 16 last year.
It is alleged the six were part of a group of men from Tatana village who attacked a boat from Roku village on Aug 15. The boat from Roku had six passengers onboard.
They allegedly followed the boat with the intention of stealing the outboard motor. This did not go as expected, resulting in the death of a man.
Police say the victim was allegedly beaten to death and thrown into the sea, where his body was found the same day.