A High Court judge in Suva has told a murder accused to apply for Legal Aid Commission’s representation. This is because he is legally unqualified to fight his own case which is a serious charge.

Mosese Sigabalavu Koroi, a 27-year-old famer, allegedly assaulted his pregnant partner on June 7.

Koroi appeared before Justice Salesi Temo yesterday, charged with the one count of murder of 23-year-old Seini Boletawa.

It is alleged that Koroi, was intoxicated during the time of the incident and allegedly assaulted his pregnant partner at home in Nasese, Suva.

The victim was rushed to the Colonial War Memorial Hospital where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

The legal representation options were put to the 27-year-old accused in iTaukei language, however, Koroi waived his right to counsel and opted to represent himself.

Justice Temo told to Koroi that he was facing a very serious charge of murder and he needed to have a lawyer to represent him in the case.

“If you do not have money to hire a private lawyer, then you can apply to the Legal Aid Commission for legal representation because the commission has experienced lawyers to fight your case,” Justice Temo said.

“I will give you time to apply to the Legal Aid Commission so they could be present on your next court date.”

Justice Temo also issued an order to the Police officer to take the accused to the Legal Aid Commission’s office in Suva to apply for legal representation before the accused was taken back to the Suva Remand Centre.

Koroi was further remanded in custody and the matter adjourned to July 17 for mention to check on the legal representation.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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