Murder accused’s leg wounds likely self-inflicted, court told

It is highly likely that the wounds on murder accused and former corrections officer Epeli Laqeni’s legs were self-inflicted, the court heard today.

State prosecutor Naazish Ali revealed this at the High Court in Suva during Laqeni’s case.

He is charged with allegedly murdering his de facto partner at their home in Nakasi in early September. Laqeni was escorted in a wheelchair by police officers.

His lawyer, Timoci Varinava, told the court that his client was still unable to walk and had been kept at the infirmary at the Suva Remand Centre.

He said the conditions remained poor, with 12 remandees sharing a six-bed cell block.

The court questioned why Laqeni’s leg had not healed after three months, noting that he remained in the same condition. Mr Varinava responded that his client’s leg was slowly healing, but he was still unable to walk.

Justice George dismissed the claim, stating that the only explanation for the prolonged condition could be if Laqeni was suffering from diabetes.

Ms Ali told the court that medical reports from the hospital indicated Laqeni was fit to be kept at the Remand Centre.

According to the investigation, Laqeni claimed he was beaten by his partner in an earlier incident. However, the next day, he was seen participating in a Corrections birthday celebration march.

Ms Ali also told the court that although the postmortem report had not yet been compiled, they had received information that the victim’s body had already started decomposing. They are currently awaiting the final report.

The matter has been adjourned to November 18, when the accused will appear before Justice Daniel Goundar.
His case is among several others being returned to Justice Goundar for reallocation. He was further remanded.