Judge orders inquiry into accused's missing belongings

A High Court judge has directed authorities to investigate the whereabouts of an accused man's personal belongings after he told the court he had been borrowing clothes from fellow inmates at the Natabua Remand Centre in Lautoka.

The issue arose during a court appearance by Peceli Rokoravolo, who also requested the return of personal items seized following his arrest.

Justice Sunil Sharma highlighted the importance of maintaining humane conditions for remand prisoners.

Rokoravolo told the High Court in Lautoka that since being remanded late last year, he had not received his personal clothing and had been forced to rely on other inmates for clothes and basic necessities.

He told Justice Sharma that his family in Suva faced difficulties travelling to the West to provide him with clothing and personal items.

Rokoravolo appeared before Justice Sharma yesterday and represented himself during the proceedings.

The State was represented by Joeli Naivalu.

Rokoravolo is charged in relation to the alleged killing of Dr Biumaitotoya, also known as Leighley Darling, between August 31 and September 1, 2025.

The accused also requested the return of personal belongings, which he said had not been returned since his arrest.

The court instructed the prosecutor to address the matter and directed the accused to provide a detailed list of the items.

"I have been borrowing clothes in the remand centre. I need my bag of clothes," Rokoravolo told the court.

Mr Naivalu said he was unaware of the issues raised by the accused because former lawyer Una Baleilevuka had not brought them to the State's attention.

However, he said he would take note of the request regarding the return of the accused's belongings.

Justice Sharma instructed the accused to prepare a detailed list of the items, make two copies and provide one to Mr Naivalu.

The judge said that if the accused did not receive his belongings by the next court appearance, he should inform the court.

The court instructed the prosecutor to investigate the matter.

The State also confirmed that any items not required as exhibits would be returned to the accused.

In relation to the accused's second bail application, the State was directed to file its response within 14 days.

Rokoravolo expressed concern about the timing, noting that his trial is scheduled to begin on July 6 and that the proposed mention date was close to the trial date.

Although the court considered reducing the response period to seven days, the matter was adjourned to June 16 for mention and to fix a hearing date.

Justice Sharma noted that prolonged lack of access to personal belongings could affect a remand prisoner's dignity and daily life while stressing the need for procedural fairness in resolving the issue.