Trial date set for murder accused
The High Court in Suva has set trial dates for the case of a 43-year-old Chinese national who is facing one count of murder. Wang Qi Yong will have his trial begin on
August 31, this year, for one week.
Yong is alleged to have caused the death of a 33-yearold Asian woman who was found dead by her flatmate at their home in Salato Road,
Namadi Heights in Tamavua, on May 13. Yong appeared before Justice Daniel Goundar yesterday. Prosecutor from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Kimberly Semisi, told the court that the state was relying on the caution interview statement of the accused which contained full admissions.
Defence lawyer from the Legal Aid Commission, Jalesi Korotini, told the court that the defence would make representations to the DPP on the admissions and caution interview statement, once he would receive instructions from his client. Mr Korotini also told the court that the defence needed time to finalise the proposed agreed facts and obtain instructions from the accused for voir dire, if needed.
Justice Goundar has ordered the defence counsel to file any objections if needed by August 17.
Yong, through a translator, told the court that he wished to see his caution interview statement because he did not have a copy. Mr Korotini has told the court that he would serve a copy of the caution interview statement to the accused.
Yong has been further remanded in custody. The matter has been adjourned for mention for pre-trial conference on August 24.