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13 March, 2026, 5:44 am
Central - 24°C Clouds
13 March, 2026, 5:44 am Central - 24°C Clouds

Man charged for alleged murder of 23-yr-old man over suspected theft of yaqona plants

Man charged for alleged murder of 23-yr-old man over suspected theft of yaqona plants

By Mansi Chand
13/02/2026
A 46-year-old man has been charged with the murder of a 23-year-old man for allegedly stealing his yaqona plants last month.

The accused person allegedly confronted the 23-year-old man over suspected theft of yaqona plants from his farm and upon denial the accused punched the victim multiple times which resulted in his death. 

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions says a total of 10 people, including a juvenile, were charged with 17 counts of non sexual offences last month.

The ODPP says the charges included murder (1), aggravated robbery (7), receiving stolen properties (1), assault causing actual bodily harm (1), act with intent to cause grievous harm (2), grievous harm (1), obtaining financial advantage by deception (1), criminal trespass (2) and indecently annoying a person (1). 

There were 14 victims of the 17 counts and one incident where the accused and victim were related to one another. 

They say a 24-year-old man was charged with one count of grievous harm.

The accused person allegedly assaulted his 25-year-old de facto partner with a wooden stick. 

In another incident, a 23-year-old man was charged with two counts of acts with intent to 
cause grievous harm.

The accused person allegedly struck a 21-year-old man and a 23-year-old man with a cane knife during an altercation. 

There was one incident where a 44-year-old man and a 28-year-old man were charged with 
five counts of aggravated robbery and one count of assault causing actual bodily harm.

The accused persons allegedly robbed five victims of phones, clothing, and tools while the victims were attempting to free themselves from their vehicle that had veered off the road. 

Cash and assorted items were stolen during the alleged aggravated robbery incidents 
consisting of day and night street muggings. 

The ODPP adds that two cases were withdrawn due to insufficient evidence.
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