Escapee claims he was assaulted while on

remand

An accused person who appeared before the Suva Magistrates Court yesterday told the court that he was allegedly assaulted by newly-recruited officers at the Suva Remand Centre.

Isoa Raiqima, who appeared alongside Lemeki Sevutia, are charged with escape from lawful custody.

On the afternoon of March 31, 2017, the two escaped from custody at the Suva Court cell block. On the day Raiqima was remanded for a rape case while Sevutia was remanded for aggravated robbery when they escaped.

They were later arrested at Nanuku Settlement in Vatuwaqa.

Magistrate Waleen George advised the prosecution to contact the officer in charge at the Suva Remand Centre to investigate whether the accused was assaulted and injured, and if there was a report lodged by him at the centre.

They were further advised that if the accused was injured then a medical doctor should be arranged for check-up.

The case has been adjourned to tomorrow, for a follow up on the medical report.

FONUA TALEI

Edited by Karalaini Waqanidrola

Alleged drug duo

appear in court

Two accused persons who were allegedly found with 1.246kg of cocaine appeared in the Suva Magistrates Court yesterday.

Lalesh Mudaliar and Mohammed Saiyaz are charged with unlawful importation and possession of illicit drugs.

The incident allegedly occurred between July 29, 2017 and August 4, 2017, in Suva.

Magistrate Waleen George had the case transferred to the High Court.

While referring to a previous matter she said the case involved a lesser amount of illicit drugs and had a jail sentence of more than 10-years which was above her jurisdiction.

Both accused persons were further remanded in custody and the defence lawyer was advised to file a bail application in the high court.

The case has been adjourned to August 22, for  transfer to the High court.

FONUA TALEI

Edited by Karalaini Waqanidrola

Woman who allegedly defrauded fees to arrange visas is remanded

A Suva woman who allegedly defrauded thousands of dollars from various persons in the promise of obtaining travel visas for them to the United States of America appeared before the Suva Magistrates Court yesterday.

Sainiana Tuilovoni appeared before Magistrate Waleen George on numerous cases.

On one of the cases, Tuilovoni is charged with three counts of obtaining financial advantage by deception and one count of general dishonesty – causing a loss.

On the three counts of obtaining financial advantage it is alleged that on separate occasions between May 17 to June 14, 2016 she obtained $1000, $250 and $250 from the complainant with promise of arranging a visa for her to travel to the USA but failed to do so.

She has been further remanded in custody pending bail ruling.

The case was adjourned to August 22 for bail hearing. FONUA TALEI

Edited by Karalaini Waqanidrola

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