Judgment date set in wife killing case

The High Court in Suva has set May 12, as the date for judgment in the murder trial of Apisai Madigibuli, who is accused of killing his 25-year-old wife.

Madigibuli faces one count of murder. The court heard that the victim was four months pregnant at the time of her death.

He appeared before Justice Dane Tuiqereqere last week where the prosecution closed its case after calling a total of 14 witnesses. A day later, Justice Tuiqereqere ruled that there was a case to answer.

However, the accused chose not to give evidence or call any witnesses in his defence. The State and the defence made their final submissions last week.

It is alleged that on April 25, 2024, Madigibuli stabbed his wife at the Waimanu Apartments in Suva.

The court was told that he had earlier booked a room at the apartments for the victim and their three-year-old daughter.

Between 4am and 5am, Madigibuli was seen leaving the room wearing bloodstained clothes while carrying the child.

He then asked staff at the apartments to call police, reportedly telling them that he had stabbed his wife.

Madigibuli has been further remanded in custody as he awaits judgment.

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