DPP yet to decide murder or manslaughter charges against trio

Three university students accused over the death of a man at a Suva settlement may face reduced charges.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has yet to decide whether the case will proceed as murder or manslaughter.

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

They are accused in relation to the death of 30-year-old Jone Vuinakelo at Nauluvatu Settlement.

It is alleged the trio was last seen drinking with Vuinakelo at Nauluvatu shortly before his body was discovered in March.

Justice Tuiqereqere questioned State prosecutors on whether the prosecution intended to maintain the murder charge against the trio.

In response, the prosecutor said the decision would depend on the endorsement of the DPP, noting that “either it will be murder or manslaughter”.

The State also informed the court that investigations and case information were still being finalised.

Meanwhile, the court heard disclosures for Leweniqila and Vakavunivalu had already been filed and served on Legal Aid lawyers yesterday.

However, disclosures for Lovobalavu were yet to be served on his counsel.

The prosecution sought seven more days to complete the filing of information and disclosures.

Justice Goundar granted the State until May 22 to file the required documents.

The matter was adjourned to May 28 for further mention.

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