The High Court in Lautoka has ordered murder accused Vilimoni Lalaobouma to get himself a lawyer before the next mention date.

Judge Justice Sunil Sharma made the order after he learned that Lalaobouma had not made any arrangements for a legal representative.

Justice Sharma then told Lalaobouma that a Legal Aid application form would be provided to him and that he was to fill the form and give that form to an escorting officer.

Lalaobouma is charged with the murder of 24-year-old Police Constable Siuta Niumataiwalu, robbery, theft and serious assault.

It is alleged that on October 21, just hours after he was released on bail by the Nadi Magistrates Court for a separate case of alleged theft, Lalaobouma allegedly seriously assaulted and robbed a 52-year-old farmer along Yaweni Street, Lautoka.

Lalaobouma allegedly stole the complainant’s bag containing clothes, shoes, cash and a kitchen knife, which was later identified as the murder weapon he used on the late Constable Niumataiwalu, and then allegedly robbed a 32-year-old driver near Vitogo Parade.

The late Constable Niumataiwalu had pursued Lalaobouma and apprehended him, however Lalaobouma allegedly took out a kitchen knife and stabbed him.

Rasjshneel Chand, who is representing the State, told the court that the matter was for first call and they would be seeking 14 days to file disclosures. The court also heard that Lalaobouma was currently in remand.

The matter has been adjourned to November 21.

Justice Sharma also issued a production order for Lalaobouma and further remanded him in custody.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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