Driver remanded over elderly woman’s death

The driver who allegedly caused the death of an elderly woman in Delailabasa has been remanded by the Labasa Magistrate Court.

Krishna Prasad, 45, a fisherman from Labasa, appeared before Magistrate Safaira Ratu yesterday.

He has been charged with one count of dangerous driving occasioning death and one count of failing to comply with post-accident requirements.

It is alleged that on October 22, 2025, Prasad hit Nanise Tubuisaro, a pedestrian, while driving in Delailabasa and fled the scene. The victim passed away last Wednesday at Labasa Hospital.

Police prosecutor Constable Ashwin Sami objected to bail, stating there was a high likelihood the accused could interfere with key prosecution witnesses, including his wife and brother, who had identified him as the driver involved in the accident.

Constable Sami also told the court that the accused had expressed suicidal thoughts, and recommended remand for his safety and to ensure his attendance at future court hearings.

Defence counsel John Prasad argued that his client had the right to bail, noting that he had no prior convictions or pending cases. He also highlighted that the accused, a father of two, suffers from heart disease and high blood pressure, and is currently on medication.

Mr Prasad requested the court to consider his client’s medical condition in its bail decision.

Magistrate Ratu considered submissions from both parties and ordered that the accused be remanded for two days, with arrangements to be made for a medical examination at Labasa Hospital.

Mr Prasad asked the court where his client would be held during the remand period. Constable Sami responded that Prasad would be kept at the Labasa Corrections remand centre, due to limited space at the Labasa Police Station.

The case has been adjourned to tomorrow for the bail hearing.