BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

AN INDONESIAN man charged with possession of unlicenced firearms was released yesterday on a $15,000 bail.

The defendant Rustawi Tomo Kabul, 63, has been in remand following his arrest at the Brunei International Airport last May 2 when security personnel discovered several “suspicious items” in his luggage including bullets and ammunition.

During the proceedings yesterday before Chief Magistrate Muhammad Faisal PDJLD DSP Hj Kefli, Rustawi’s defence counsel, Hj Mohammad Rozaiman, re-applied for his client’s release based on the grounds that the Indonesian Embassy in Brunei was willing to “shelter” the defendant.

Further condition for the release was for the defendant’s passport to be impounded by the Royal Brunei Police Force and a court bail set at $15,000 or one local surety.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Pg Norsuzanawati Pg Hj Abas did not object to the application for the bail as they are still awaiting approval from the Department of Civil Aviation for the suspected confiscated items from the defendant to be flown to Singapore to be tested.

A further mention of the case is scheduled to be heard on June 22.

The Brunei Times