Plea date set for man on manslaughter charge

ALautoka man facing a manslaughter charge will take his plea on June 4. Josaia Vukivuki appeared before Justice Chamath Morais at the High Court in Lautoka on Wednesday.

Legal Aid Commission lawyer Esiteri Radrole appeared on behalf of Vukivuki while Semi Babitu represented the prosecution.

The accused is alleged to have murdered 22-year-old Hasneel Sharma whose body was found at the back of the old Mobil Service Station at Natokawaqa in Lautoka on January 19.

Vukivuki was initially charged by the Police with one count of murder.

Prosecution then filed information for a reduced charge of one count each of manslaughter and robbery on March 19.

Mr Babitu told the court that the prosecution had filed and served the information to the defence lawyer on March 19. The court heard that Vukivuki had sought time to reply, however he was not present in court.

Justice Morais adjourned the case to June 4.