[Published on Tuesday, 5 May 2026]
BY MELVILLE TITIULU
The Magistrate’s Court has started hearing into a case of a man accused of stealing $296,802 from a Chinese national.
Principal Magistrate Hilly Elma Veenah Rizu presided over the matter when it came for mention on Monday.
The defendant, Evenson Fangarongo, 23, was charged with simple larceny contrary to section 261(1) of the Penal Code.
The offence attracts an imprisonment of five years. The defendant pleaded guilty to the charge when arraigned on Monday.
It was alleged that the theft incident occurred on August 31, 2025, between 9am – 10am in front of the New Fashion Shop in China Town, opposite Mataniko Clinic.
Mr Male Huang, a Chinese national, was the owner of the stolen money, totaling $296,802.
Police managed to only recover $38,000 from that money at the defendant’s father-in-law (Peter Misitana) residential area at Koa Hill Settlement.
The matter was adjourned to Monday, May 11 at 9.30am for both parties to settle agreed facts and prepare sentence submission.
Remand of warrant was extended for the defendant.
Police Constable Ellen Anina is prosecuting the case and she represents the office of the Police Prosecutions and Wally Hatingongo from the Public solicitors Office represents the defendant.
For feedback, contact: [email protected]
Editor: [email protected]
