Murder charges dropped against university students

Two tertiary students charged over the death of a man in Nauluvatu Settlement, Suva, were discharged by the High Court in Suva this morning after the State withdrew the charges against them.

Alexander Leweniqila, 19, and Manoa Vakavuniwalu, 19, appeared before Justice Daniel Goundar alongside co-accused Aisake Lovobalavu, 20.

The three were initially charged with the alleged murder of Jone Vuinakelo in March this year.

State prosecutor Tevita Naimila filed a nolle prosequi, formally discontinuing the murder charge against Leweniqila and Vakavuniwalu.

Justice Goundar discharged the two students, but reminded them the State retained the right to recharge them in the future if new evidence emerged.

Proceedings against Lovobalavu will continue, although his charge has been reduced from murder to manslaughter.

Lovobalavu has pleaded not guilty to the manslaughter charge.

Mr Naimila told the court there were partial admissions in Lovobalavu’s caution interview, in which he allegedly admitted assaulting the victim because the victim was allegedly touching girls while they were drinking.

The matter has been transferred to Justice Pita Bulamainaivalu.

Lovobalavu’s bail has been extended and the case has been adjourned to June 25.