Three youths and former soccer player remanded for alleged death of Lal

Three youths and a former Fijian football/Labasa rep who were allegedly involved in an aggravated robbery incident at Delailabasa in Labasa last Tuesday, have been remanded in custody. Sixty-year-old Pram Lal lost his life after allegedly being the victim of the incident.

Accused Sakiusa Niumatuwalu, 28, Jone Sela, 28, Apisolome Turuva, 37 and Taniela Racule, 23, were produced before Magistrate Bimsara Jagodage, at the Magistrates Court in Labasa, on Monday.

The first accused, Niumatuwalu, was charged of one count of murder, one count of aggravated robbery, one count of theft of a motor vehicle and one count of breach of suspended sentencing.

The second accused, Sela was charged with six separate counts: - murder, aggravated robbery, theft, two counts of suspended sentencing and escaping from lawful custody.

The third and fourth accused, Turuva and Racule, were charged with one count of murder, one count of aggravated robbery and one count of theft of motor vehicle.

Police prosecutor, Sergeant Vignesh Prasad, objected to bail and labelled it a case of significant public interest.

Prosecutor Prasad told the court that three accused had previous convictions and some pending cases in relation to the alleged theft, property damage and burglary. “The third accused, Turuva has a pending matter before this court and the second accused breached his suspending sentencing,” he said.

Prosecutor Prasad said they had enough evidence based on: circumstance evidence, physical evidence, demonstrative evidence and forensic evidence.

The third and fourth accused were represented by defence lawyer, Kelepi Ratule, from Ratule and Associates law firm while the first and second were not represented by anyone.

Mr Ratule sought the court’s understanding to bail his clients on the condition of being the benefit of the doubt and that his clients would abide by all bail conditions. Magistrate Jagodage declined to bail and was satisfied with the prosecution’s ability to verify its objections.

He said the count of murder was the most serious in this case and the case was transferred to the High Court in Labasa.

Magistrate Jagodage also took into account the flight risk when one of the accused tried to flee Police custody.

He instructed the first and second accused to seek legal aid support and complete their forms.

The Prosecution also wanted to file an application for the release of the stolen motor vehicle and other items stolen.

However, Magistrate Jagodage told the prosecution to advise the ODPP.

The case has been adjourned until February 10 for mention.