Two suspended Police officers who are facing a murder charge appeared at the High Court in Suva yesterday.

Kelepi Duri Tautaumacala Kolinisau and Ratu Se­lema Steven Dennis Tikoenaburevere are charged in connection with the death of the Kiuva villager Josua Lalauvaki, 26, appeared before Justice Vin­sent Perera yesterday.

They are jointly charged with one count of murder of Mr Lalauvaki.

The two suspended Police officers allegedly as­saulted Mr Lalauvaki after an altercation outside a Suva nightclub on September 2, 2018.

Mr Lalauvaki died at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital on October 11, 2018, as a result of injuries he suffered from the alleged assault.

State Prosecutor from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Meli Vosawale told the court that the State would be calling 10 to 12 witnesses in the Prosecution’s case.

He told the court that the State was relying on the direct evidence of the Police officers.

The court also heard that the two accused persons, on September 2, 2018, arrested and assaulted Mr La­lauvaki outside a nightclub at Carnarvon Street in Suva.

The court heard that Mr Lalauvaki was taken to CWM Hospital, but died a month and nine days later.

Defence lawyer Barbara Malimali told the court that her client did not cause the death of the de­ceased.

She told the court that she disputed the allegations against her client and defence would be calling wit­nesses including her client to give evidence.

The case was adjourned to June 10 for a pre-trial conference.

Bail for both the accused persons was extended.

Edited by Susana Tuilau

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