The court matter of the two men who are alleged to have committed a series of burglary in Rarotonga last year has been adjourned to March 7.

Melvin Eli represented by lawyer Michelle Tangimama and Rangi Uai Tuaru represented by lawyer Jamie Crawford appeared before Chief Justice Patrick Keane at the High Court in Avarua late last month.

Eli is charged for two counts of burglary, carrying an offensive weapon and three counts of contempt of court.

He is also facing a new charge of theft- where he is accused of stealing 40 watermelons. It is alleged that Lucas Kamana, 24, is also being questioned for the same theft offence. However, Police are still trying to locate Kamana.

Tuaru is facing 10 counts of burglary including a new burglary charge for January this year and a contempt of court.

The men are charged for the joint offence of breaking into Tuki’s Pareu store in August of last year, where a “sizeable amount of cash” was allegedly stolen.

Defence lawyer Tangimama said she needed to speak to the defendant Eli on the summary of facts and would return on the next call over with a plea to be entered. She added she needed some clarity on the summary of facts.

Defence lawyer Crawford said the psychological report of the defendant Tuaru was delayed and it was frustrating – the psychological / mental health assessment of the defendant was ordered in October last year.

Both cases have been adjourned to the next High Court call over on March 7.