FV Tiro II accused to get new laywer

The man who is accused of killing five people on the vessel FV Tiro II in Fiji waters has alleged that his lawyer was being paid by the two complainants in his case.

Tevita Qaqa Kapawale, 29, is alleged to have murdered Qiritivabea Cagilabakomeli, 28, Benjamin Semuel Sukera, 44, Alfat Kodri, 37, Eme Warma, 47, and Samuela Sukera aged 28 on FV Tiro II on May 18, 2021.

He is also charged with the attempted murder of Kaminieli Tucama, 47 and one count of criminal intimidation for allegedly intimidating Mitieli Cama, 49.

Kapawale pleaded not guilty to the charges.

He told the court he was withdrawing his instructions from his counsel Nemani Tuifagalele, alleging that Mr Tuifagalele was being paid by the “two complainants” and would not be a fair counsel.

Justice Daniel Goundar said Mr Tuifagalele did not have to answer to the allegations raised by Kapawale.

Mr Tuifagalele said if that was what Kapawale wanted, he would accept it.

Justice Gounder told Mr Tuifagalele to return all the case documents to the State and told the accused that his function was to try him on the charges against him and to do so fairly.

“One important part of the process is that you be represented by counsel,” he said.

“I can’t force you to engage counsel.

It is entirely your choice, but you have a right to legal representation by counsel of your choice,” Justice Goundar said to Kapawale.

Kapawale said he wanted to apply for bail so he could find another lawyer and that he was not going to apply for assistance from the Legal Aid Commission.

Justice Goundar said seeking legal counsel was not a ground for granting bail in cases of this nature.

He told the accused to work through his family to engage a lawyer before the court moved forward with the bail application.

Kapawale said he had his voir dire grounds prepared but Justice Goundar told him to hold on to it.

The matter will be called on July 20 for mention.