Five People Front Magistrate For Breach Of COVID-19 Restrictions

Five people charged with one count each of breaching the nationwide curfew and failure to comply with orders for social gatherings have been granted bail.

Timea Burenatau, 40, Tewenu Uriam, 39, Benioni Malakite, 42, Bataba Apisalome, 37, Maere Banian, 50, appeared before Magistrate Joseph Daurewa in the Suva Magistrates Court yesterday.

Defence lawyer Jacob Lanyon told the court that there was inconsistency in the summary of facts and the video interview during their caution interview.

“The charge had read that all the accused were all gathered eating at a national park, but the matter of fact only two of the accused were eating at the park while the three others were in the vehicle,” Mr Lanyon said.

He also told the court that an interpreter was not present when his clients were formally charged by Police.

Magistrate Daurewa ordered that an interpreter be present in court when the case is called next, and for the Police Prosecutors to provide the statement of the interviewing and charge officers.

The matter was adjourned to June 5 for their plea.

Edited by Ivamere Nataro

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