SUSPENDED OFFICERS ON MURDER CHARGE – NO BAIL
Two suspended Police officers charged in connection with the death of Kiuva villager Joseua Lalauvaki, 26, last month have been denied bail by the Suva Magistrates Court. Kelepi Duri Tautaumacala Kolinisau and Selema Tikoenaburevere appeared before Magistrate Asanga Bodaragama yesterday each charged with one count of murder.
The two Police officers allegedly assaulted Mr Lalauvaki after an altercation outside a Suva nightclub on September 2, 2018. Mr Lalauvaki died at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital on October 11, 2018, as a result of injuries he suffered from the alleged assault.
Prosecutor Meli Vosawale from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions applied for the matter to be transferred to the High Court because it was an indictable offence.
Mr Vosawale told the court that it was a serious allegation and there was a likelihood that the two accused could interfere with potential witnesses.
Defence lawyer Mele Ratidara made an oral bail application, which was objected to by the State. Ms Ratidara asked the court for bail because of security reasons for the two accused.
She said Kolinisau’s wife was pregnant and expected to give birth soon. Magistrate Bodaragama refused the bail application for the accused and ordered that the two accused be kept separate from the other inmates.
The matter was transferred to the High Court and was adjourned for first call on November 30.