Accused Claims Alleged Robbery Was ‘Inside Job’
A man charged for robbing a money exchange outlet in Suva claimed that it was an inside job.
Meli Tamani, who is charged for one count of aggravated robbery claimed in court on Tuesday that the robbery was an inside job.
In response, Magistrate Waleen George said she would pursue the matter according to what the information and disclosures had.
She said to the accused that he allegedly reoffended and the amount was substantial and the Police would investigate his allegations.
It is alleged that on February 14, 2019, the accused with others robbed $50,253.0 and foreign currencies valued at $18,585.30, the property of City Forex Exchange, from the outlet.
The accused and others were alleged to have used force on the employee of the company.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Josua Shaw had served full phase disclosures.
He told the court that of the total amount which was allegedly stolen, only $14,000 was recovered including the foreign currencies while the Police were investigating to locate the others involved in the matter.
Mr Shaw also told the court that the accused had other pending matters in court.
Magistrate George said to the accused that he was given bail on the matters pending before the court and one of the bail conditions was not to reoffend.
She said the offence was an indictable offence and very serious.
Magistrate George had transferred the matter to the High Court in Suva and remanded the accused in custody.
The matter was adjourned for first call in the High Court on March 5.
Magistrate George told the accused to lodge a formal bail application with the High Court.
Edited by Ranoba Baoa
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