Three more face murder charge after drinking party

Meli Bavesi, 22, Suliasi Naikaimuri, 42, and Josivini Naisaucou, 20, have been remanded in custody by the Lautoka Magistrates Court.

The three appeared before Magistrate Semi Babitu charged in relation to the alleged murder of 38-year-old Vilikesa Naicaba at Wairabetia, Lautoka, on May 14, 2026.

They are charged alongside TikToker Paula Caginicolo, 28, who appeared in the Lautoka Magistrates Court on Monday, May 18, 2026.

It is alleged the four seriously assaulted the victim during a drinking party on the morning of May 14, 2026.

The accused confirmed they had received full disclosures, understood the charges against them and wished to seek Legal Aid representation.

The prosecution strongly objected to bail, citing direct witnesses, forensic evidence, partial admissions, and concerns over community tension, possible retaliation and the risk of collusion among the accused.

State counsel argued that releasing the accused could undermine public confidence in the justice system and submitted that the right to bail was not absolute, particularly given the seriousness of the charge.

Defence counsel argued that the accused were first-time offenders and that the primary consideration should be whether they were likely to appear in court.

The defence also cited legal precedent, arguing that the seriousness of the offence should not be the determining factor in bail decisions, and highlighted the availability of suitable sureties for the accused.

However, Magistrate Babitu remanded the three accused in custody and adjourned the matter to May 21, 2026.