The High Court in Lautoka has set December 19, 2019 for murder-accused, Vilimoni Lalaobouma, to take his plea.

Judge Justice Sunil Sharma also adjourned the matter to the said date for the defence to file its response to the state’s information and disclosures.

The accused was represented by Legal Aid Commission lawyer, Nimita Sharma, while the prosecution was represented by Ratu Josaia Niudamu.

A production order was issued for the accused and he was remanded in custody.

Lalaobouma is charged with one count of murder, one count of robbery, one count of aggravated robbery and three counts of serious assault. He may have theft charge for other matter but not for this matter.

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

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

The late 24-year-old Police Constable Siuta Niumataiwalu pursued the accused and apprehended him, however Lalaobouma took out a kitchen knife and stabbed him.

Edited by Percy Kean

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