24 People Appear In Sigatoka Court For Breaching Social Gathering Restrictions To Drink Kava And Wine

Twenty-four people who allegedly breached the nationwide restrictions on social gathering appeared during a special court sitting at the Sigatoka Magistrate Court on Monday. One person appeared in court for allegedly breaching the nationwide curfew.

Social gathering accused:

The 24 accused were Setoki Turagadina, Keni Naika, Alivereti Bogiva, Keni Naika Jnr, Asesela Tuilokuloku, Emori Railevu, Rusiate Kuriqovu, Emori Nasevu, Sakeasi Dravo, Paula Veiroso, Nevote Dawadawa, , Nilesh Sen, Ravinesh Kumar, Ranjesh Chand, Shahid Mukshad, Shalend Kumar, Adi Salote Domolailai, Filisi Doidoi, Merewalesi Rokovucago, Christina Tuiwainunu, Etonia Saunokonoko, James Steele, Kata Waqasokolala, and Noa Kaumainavesi.

They appeared before Magistrate Jeremaia Savou charged with failure to comply with orders of social gathering.

Police Inspector Mohammed Shameem represented the State. He said all the accused were caught allegedly having gathered in groups and consumed yaqona and alcohol respectively.

The court heard that Turagadina, Naika, Bogiva, Naika Jnr, Tuilokuloku, Railevu, Kuriqovu, Nasevu were drinking grog at Jubeirata, Valley Road ,on April 10.

Chand, Mukshad and Kumar were alleged to have consumed yaqona on April 12 in Lawaqa.

Domolailai, Doidoi, Rokovucago, Tuiwainunu, Saunokonoko on April 11 were allegedly drinking in Olosara.

Dravo, Veiroso, Dawadawa from Navisabasaba were alleged to be consuming yaqona after working on one of the accused’s houses, which was said to be damaged by Tropical Cyclone Harold.

Sen, a mechanic and Kumar, a farmer of Batiri were alleged to be consuming yaqona at Kumar’s residence after repairing his vehicle on April 11.

Steele, Waqasokolala and Kaumainavesi were alleged to be drinking wine at one of the accused’s houses in Nayawa sub-division with disco lights and music playing on April 12.

Turagadina, Naika, Bogiva, Naika Jnr, Tuilokuloku, Railevu, Kuriqovu, Nasevu, Chand, Mukshad, Kumar, Domolailai, Doidoi, Rokovucago, Tuiwainunu, Saunokonoko were granted bail at $500 and the matter adjourned to June 22 for plea.

Dravo, Veiroso, Dawadawa, Sen, Kumar, Steele, Waqasokolala, Kaumainavesi pleaded guilty. They were sentenced to pay a fine of $500 within the next 28 days.

Curfew breaching accused:

Ilaitia Nacolauli, 19, was remanded by the Sigatoka Magistrate Court. He was charged with failure to comply with the nationwide curfew order. He was held at the Lautoka Remand Centre and the matter adjourned to April 20.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj