Social media catches 29 who allegedly breached social gathering order

Atotal of 29 youths and fishers charged with failure to comply with orders on social gathering, were granted bail by the Labasa Magistrates Court yesterday.

The accused were Ratu Viliame Rova, Eroni Amaia, Peni Tagava, Jonasa Matakibau, Simione Cereiwasa, Iliesa Deroga, Rapoama Raqi, Alekisa Saoti, Episa Salauneune, Apaitia Raseisei, Manasa Levatabua, Laisenia Rokoua, Isoa Waivuni, Aparama Vaniqi, Ilaitia Vugabuli, Tevita Nasara, Ilisoni Cabealawa, Paula Ilivani, Vilivo Naicoi, Peni Sogia, Akariva Ravula, Epeli Sikele, Josefa

Dewala, Luke Kilaivau, Ilisoni Tukunaivei, Tomasi Joti, Rusiate Rokodulu, Sailosi Tuidrokadroka and Jone Raiwalui.

They appeared before Magistrate Bimsara Jagodage.

It was alleged that the group on April 14 gathered at Naduri Village Hall in Macuata Province with juveniles with the purpose of devotion and feasting.

The Police officers at Seaqaqa Police Station came to know about the gathering through the village headman’s Ratu Viliame Rova Facebook post where photos were uploaded on the same day.

Moreover, Police prosecutor Constable Vignesh Prasad told the court that they failed to comply with the order announced by the

Prime Minister prohibiting such social gathering that was deemed necessary for protection of public health from COVID-19.

Each accused was bailed with the sum of $1000 with strict conditions.

A curfew order was imposed from 6pm to 4am, they were told not to offend and to report at the nearest Police Station.

Five sureties were provided by the group who took responsibility to make sure they followed all court orders.

The case has been adjourned for mention on June 3, 2020.