Horse theft dispute emerges in Kulukulu murder case
No plea taken as case transferred to Lautoka High Court
Thursday 13 August 2026 | 13:00
Updated 13 August 2026 | 16:06 FJT
Ratu Vula Ratuva, 51 (left) and Kinijoji Ratuva, 19, is escorted by a police officer at the Sigatoka Magistrate Court on August 13, 2026.
Photo: Katherine Naidu
A horse theft dispute was raised in court today as a father and son facing murder charges appeared before the Sigatoka Magistrate Court.
Ratu Kinijoji Ratuva, 19, and his father Ratu Vula Ratuva, 51, are charged with the murder of Vimal Nand and assault offences arising from an incident on the Queens Highway in Kulukulu, Nadroga on August 9. They appeared before Magistrate Vinaina Diroiroi.
No please was taken.
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During bail submissions, defence lawyer Lauvili Koroitamudu told the court that the accused jointly operated a business, employed five people and owned 13 horses.
She said three of their horses had recently been stolen and that the accused had attempted to confront the alleged victims over the matter.
Ms Koroitamudu further told the court that the accused had reported the incident to the Sigatoka Police Station and continued to maintain their innocence.
The defence also informed the court that members of the accused’s family had wanted to reconcile with Mr Nand’s family, but legal advice was given that the allegations involved serious criminal offences and were not suitable for reconciliation.
In support of a bail application, the defence highlighted that Ratu Vula was a senior pastor with the Assemblies of God Church and a former professional rugby player who had represented Fiji overseas.
The court also heard that Kinijoji is a New Zealand citizen who had travelled to Fiji to assist with the family business.
However, police prosecutor Shamim Hassan disputed aspects of the defence submission, telling the court that the allegedly stolen horse had never been reported to police.
Mr Hassan said the prosecution had a strong case backed by evidence and eyewitnesses, adding that no one was entitled to take the law into their own hands.
The prosecution also opposed bail on the grounds of public safety and concerns about potential contact with the victim’s family.
Magistrate Vinaina Diroiroi ruled that both accused should remain in custody, citing the seriousness of the charges.
The matter has been transferred to the High Court in Lautoka and will be called again on August 27.
