Man Who Allegedly Claimed To Have Coronavirus Remanded

A 24-year-old man, who allegedly claimed that he had recently returned from overseas and experienced symptoms of coronavirus, has been remanded in custody.

Simione Sekonaia Batimona Nakuna Jnr appeared before Magistrate Deepika Prakash at the Magistrates Court in Suva yesterday.

Nakuna Jnr is charged with two counts of giving false information and one count of malicious act.

For the first count of giving false information, it is alleged that the accused on February 25, 2020, at Suva, gave false information to staff nurse Ukashni Kumar, a public officer, stating that he had coronavirus after returning from Japan, knowing such information to be false.

For the second count of giving false information, Nakuna Jnr allegedly gave false information to Doctor Vinita Vandana, a public officer, on February 25, 2020, stating his name was Simione Mila of Namadi Heights, knowing such information to be false.

For the offence of malicious act, it is alleged that the accused on February 25, 2020, at Suva, maliciously fabricated by word of mouth uttering to the staff nurse namely Ukashni Kumar and Doctor Vinita Vandana that he was suffering from coronavirus tending to create or foster public alarm and public anxiety.

The charges were read to the accused in English language, which he told the court that he understood.

Police prosecutor Woman Police Constable, Kula Nainoca served the accused with full phase of disclosures and did not object to his bail, however, sought for strict bail conditions.

Magistrate Prakash had remanded Nakuna Jnr in custody and the matter will be called this morning for the accused to provide two suitable sureties and $300 cash bail.

Edited by Selita Bolanavanua

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