Murder accused to learn fate next month

A man accused of killing his de facto partner in Raiwai, Suva, last year will learn his fate next month after the High Court heard final submissions from both the prosecution and defence.

Anare Vuli Cilicewa appeared before Justice Pita Bulimainaivalu in the High Court in Suva today, where lawyers completed their closing arguments ahead of a judgment scheduled for July 14.

Cilicewa is charged with the murder of 25-year-old Shabreen Shain Ali, whose body was discovered at a residence in Albert Lee Place, Nailuva, in October last year.

Defence lawyer Manisha Singh urged the court to acquit her client, arguing that the prosecution had failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.

She questioned the reliability of key witness testimony, pointed to inconclusive DNA findings and maintained that Cilicewa was not at the house when the alleged murder occurred.

Ms Singh also submitted that police only became aware of the alleged homicide more than a day after Ms Ali's death, allowing multiple people access to the scene before investigations began.

The prosecution, however, maintained that the evidence presented during the trial clearly implicated the accused.

State counsel relied on witness testimony placing Cilicewa at the house on the day of the incident and argued that the evidence supported a conviction.

The court heard that a key prosecution witness claimed to have witnessed the events leading to Ms Ali's death and later remained silent out of fear after allegedly being threatened by the accused.

Justice Bulimainaivalu reserved his decision and is expected to deliver judgment on July 14.