Tacirua robbery suspects claim legal flaws in charging process

Two men allegedly involved in a daring daylight attempted robbery in the Tacirua New Subdivision have been remanded in custody by the Nasinu Magistrate Court.

The accused, Sekove Tawake, 30 of Vatuwaqa and Sailosi Lakovi, 30 of Tacirua, appeared before Magistrate Dipika Prakash today.

The duo are charged with one count of attempted robbery, two counts of resisting arrest and two counts of refusing to provide fingerprints.

During the hearing, Police prosecutor Kaveni Tuisese strongly opposed bail, citing a high risk of reoffending and noting that both men have other pending indictable offences and active bench warrants.

The defence lawyer rhad equested that the men be remanded at the Valelevu Police Station rather than a correctional facility, claiming they had sustained injuries during their arrest and required medical monitoring.

However, Magistrate Prakash denied this request, clarifying that police stations are not designated remand centres and that medical personnel are available at the Fiji Corrections Service facilities to handle health concerns.

Allegations of procedural flaws

One of the accused, Lakovi, personally addressed the court to claim "legal flaws" in the charging process.

He alleged that while charges were officially laid on December 21, he was not brought in for questioning until the following day.

Magistrate Prakash advised him that these procedural concerns should be addressed through his legal counsel.

The court also heard that both men exercised their right to remain silent and declined to be interviewed when taken in for police questioning.

Both Lakovi and Tawake have told the court that they would be represented by a private lawyer. 

The case has been adjourned to January 6, for a bail hearing.