Two witnesses saw three men allegedly assault a bus driver on October 3, this year at the Nausori Bus Stand, the High Court in Suva heard yesterday.

State prosecutor from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) Setefano Komaibaba told the court that he was not relying on the caution interview statements of the accused persons because there were no admissions.

The accused are schoolteacher Mikaele Lawaniyavi, 44, labourer Josateki Rokodakunivosa Rabula, 22, and Isikeli Tawake Lagibalavu, 20, unemployed, who are individually charged with manslaughter.

The driver, Subhas Chand, died later from injuries he suffered during the alleged attack. The three appeared before Judge Justice Daniel Goundar for their plea.

Mr Komaibaba also told the court that they would present direct evidence from the two witnesses who were present at the crime scene, which allegedly took place at midday on the said day.

Lawaniyavi, Rabula and Lagibalavu have entered a not guilty plea.

Lawaniyavi’s lawyer, Josaia Niudamu, had asked for the medical report of the deceased for the examination, which was conducted after the alleged incident. The matter will be called for a pre-trial conference and to fix a hearing date on March 22, 2021.

Bail for all three accused have been extended.

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