Bail Denied For Alleged Cop Killer

A curious crowd of onlookers thronged the Lautoka Magistrates Court yesterday to catch a glimpse of the 20-year-old man charged with the death of a Police officer who was allegedly stabbed in execution of his duty.

Vilimoni Lalaobouma was denied bail and his case transferred to the High Court when he appeared before Magistrate Nayani Kasturirathne.

He faces one count of murder, one count of robbery, one count of theft and a count of serious assault.

The charges were read out to the accused in iTaukei language to which he indicated that he understood and requested for a Legal Aid Commission lawyer.

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 alleged theft, the accused assaulted and robbed a 52-year-old farmer along Saweni Street in Lautoka.

Murder accused Vilimoni Lalaobouma is escorted out of the Lautoka Magistrates Court on October 24, 2019. Photo: Salote Qalubau

Lalaobouma requested for bail on the grounds that he wished to seek forgiveness from the family of the late Mr Niumataiwalu. He said he understood the seriousness of the offence and sought forgiveness from the court.

But Magistrate Kasturirathne refused him bail and ordered that the matter be transferred to the High Court in Lautoka next month.

The case has been adjourned to November 7, and the accused is further remanded.

Edited by Percy Kean

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