Farmer faces rape, abduction charges

A Nadi farmer, facing abduction and rape charges, has been remanded in custody by the Nadi Magistrates Court.

The accused, Josevata Tuiviwa, 36, appeared yesterday before Magistrate Siromi Turaga.

It is alleged the incident happened at Nadi Municipal Market on May 4.

The court heard that Tuiviwa allegedly took the girl while she was with her mother selling products at the market.

He allegedly took her to a place where he is alleged to have raped her.

The accused opted for legal aid representation.

Police prosecutor Corporal Ana Mataiwai objected to bail saying that his case was of public interest.

Magistrate Turaga told the prosecutor to serve the disclosures to the legal aid lawyer.

He transferred the case to the High Court in Lautoka, where the accused will next appear on May 17 for mention.

LITIA TIKOMAILEPANONI

Edited by Nemani Delaibatiki

Two men in court for

Stealing purse in taxi

Two men found a wallet containing $100 cash on the back seat of a taxi they boarded.

Instead of returning it, they walked away with it when they disembarked.

Yesterday, a Nausori magistrate, Chaitanya Lakshman, told them that people worked so hard to earn money. He said they should have returned the wallet because it carried an identification card.

Magistrate Lakshman gave this message to Tevita Nawameca, 24 and Apenisia Saugadrevi, 27, who are charged with one count of theft each. They pleaded guilty.

When the men boarded a taxi on May 5 in Nausori,  they found a red purse on the back seat. Inside the purse was $100.

They later used the money to buy drinks.

Also charged is their friend, Nicky Prasad. But he has denied the charge.

Magistrate Lakshman told Police Prosecutor Sergeant Mukesh Rao to separate the facts for Prasad.

Nawameca and Saugadrevi told court they were remorseful and sought the court’s forgiveness.

Prasad, however, said he had no idea of the incident because he was sitting in the front passenger seat  and he was not told about the purse.

He also denied drinking with Nawameca and Saugadrevi.

The Prosecution also objected to bail stating the men were alleged to have been habitual offenders.

Magistrate Lakshman granted Prasad bail with the sum of $500 and two sureties. The other two have been remanded until they return the $100 to the complainant.

All three will be back in court again today.

ARISHMA DEVI-NARAYAN

Edited by Nemani Delaibatiki

Woman cries after judge says, her son to serve time for murder

A 62-year-old woman cried after Labasa High Court judge, Justice Paul Madigan, told her yesterday that her son would spend some time at the Labasa Corrections Centre.

Ana Valemasi appeared as a character witness for her 33-year-old son, Tomasi Waimuka, who has been found guilty of murder and will be sentenced today.

Justice Madigan overturned the assessors’ decision of not guilty on Friday.

Waimuka struck his elder brother, Viliame Waqainamata, using a wooden chair leg during Boxing Day, 2015, on Taveuni Island. Waqainamata died from his head injuries.

He was represented by Legal Aid Commission lawyer Aisea Paka.

Mr Paka produced Ms Valemasi, a widow, mother of nine children and  28 grandchildren.

Ms Valemasi said Waimuka was the sole breadwinner of an extended family,  looking after his wife, children, her and his four siblings.

She informed the court that her son sought forgiveness from everyone and was remorseful.

Justice Madigan said to her on behalf of the court that he was sorry her loss.

However, he took time to explain to her that she wouldn’t be able to see her son for awhile as he had to serve a sentence.

She then cried.

SHRATIKA NAIDU

Edited by Nemani Delaibatiki

Kadavu drugs trial date set

The trial date has been set for a man charged at the High Court in Suva with unlawful cultivation of illicit drugs.

Acura Qaranivalu who is representing himself informed Justice Salesi Temo that he would be filing further disclosures.

The trial is set from May 29 to June 9.

It is alleged that Qaranivalu on January 3, 2012, cultivated 11 kilogrammes (32 plants) of cannabis sativa.

The alleged incident occurred at Vuravu in Kadavu.

The state is represented by Sujata Lodhia.

The case has been adjourned to May 26, for mention.

JESSICA SAVIKE

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

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