Couple Told to Get Lawyer by Nov 18

Alleged to have buried their seven-year-old daughter unlawfully in Toko, Tavua

Acouple facing manslaughter charges were advised by High Court Judge, Justice Sunil Sharma yesterday at the High Court in Lautoka to get legal representation before the next mention court date.

Ruci Kalokalo and Laisiasa Rokobeci are alleged to have buried their seven-year-old daughter unlawfully in Toko, Tavua between December 1, 2020, and February 23, 2021.

The couple are charged with one count of manslaughter arising from breach of duty contrary to Section 240 and 241 (2) of the Crimes Act and one count of Restriction of Burial of Dead Bodies contrary to Sections 12 (1) (a) and (2) of the Burial and Cremation Act 1911

For the first count, the two allegedly made an omission that amounted to a negligent breach of duty, by not taking their seven-year old child to the hospital for medical attention which allegedly resulted in her death.

For the second count, the two allegedly buried the body of their daughter without a death certificate on February 23 at Toko, Tavua.

State prosecutor Taitusi Tuenuku sought 14 days to file information and disclosures.

Justice Sharma told the accused persons that they each had the option to engage a legal counsel to represent them in court, however the couple indicated that they did not wish to do so.

Rokobeci told the court that he and his wife had moved from their residential address of Toko, Tavua and were now residing in Waimare Settlement, Rakiraki.

Justice Sharma told the two that they needed to have the approval of the court before changing residential addresses because\their bail conditions stated that they would reside in Toko, Tavua therefore they could not go anywhere that they wished.

Justice Sharma strongly urged the two to seek assistance from the Legal Aid Commission because this would be in their best interest.

He granted a bail variation for the two to reside in Waimare Settlement, Rakiraki.

The case has been adjourned to November 18 for mention and bail has been extended for the two.