Murder Accused Remanded, Yet To File Bail Application

A 32-year-old unemployed man of Lami facing a murder charge appeared at the High Court in Suva yesterday.

Rusiate Sogotubu Raiwalui appeared before Justice Daniel Goundar.

It is alleged that on May 8, 2019, at Qeleya Road in Lami, Raiwalui murdered New Zealand national Ashkan Farsani Rikthegazader.

Mr Rikthegazader was a businessman involved in the export of agricultural produce.

Mr Rikthegazader was staying at a hotel in Suva and was identified by a friend.

He was found near the Accident and Emergency Ward with stab wounds and attempts by medical authorities to revive him proved futile.

Mr Rikthegazader was dropped off in a silver-grey Prius, which was later found abandoned at Tacirua, Suva.

State prosecutor from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mezabeen Khan asked for time from the court to file the information and disclosures on the grounds that the State was awaiting the post mortem report receipt.

Defence lawyer Barbara Malimali told the court that the defence was in the process of contacting two suitable sureties to file the formal bail application.

Justice Goundar ordered the State to file information and disclosures within 21 days.

The matter was adjourned to June 25 for plea.

The accused was further remanded in custody pending the bail application.

Edited by Epineri Vula

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