Court considers possible manslaughter charge in student case

Three university students charged over the death of 30-year-old Jone Vuinakelo in Nauluvatu Settlement, Suva, in March this year are expected to take their plea later this month.

Aisake Lovobalavu, Alexander Vatia Leweniqila and Manoa Vakavunivalu appeared before Justice Daniel Goundar at the High Court in Suva today.

State prosecutor Eoghn Samisoni told the court that the State is still assessing the evidence in relation to the alleged murder.

Justice Goundar has given the prosecution seven days to file all evidence needed to support the charges.

He also noted that the charges could be reduced to manslaughter if there is not enough evidence to support the murder allegation.

Meanwhile, Vakavunivalu’s lawyer, Tobia Ravuniwa, applied to vary his client’s bail conditions.

Ravuniwa told the court that his client has been travelling to Vanua Levu to report to police as required under his bail, despite now living in Kasavu.

He requested that Vakavunivalu be allowed to report at the Nausori Police Station instead, every Friday, to better accommodate his university classes.

Justice Goundar granted the bail variation.

The matter has been adjourned for plea on the 18th of this month.