Veisari murder accused told to get lawyer as charge deemed serious

Taione Senikaucava, 39, who is charged with the alleged murder of his de facto partner at Veisari Settlement in Lami last Saturday in Veisari Settlement, Lami, last Saturday, has been ordered to get a Legal Aid Commission lawyer due to the seriousness of the charge.

Senikaucava appeared before Resident Magistrate Yogesh Prasad today, where he initially sought to represent himself. He faces one count of murder.

He is alleged to have killed his partner, Volonia Likutabua, inside his vehicle before driving to the Totogo Police Station to report the incident.

The proceedings were brief. Police prosecutor Inspector Jone Tupua informed the court that the first phase of disclosures had been served.

Magistrate Prasad said this was sufficient for Legal Aid to be engaged and to advise the accused on his next steps the disclosures were sufficient for Legal Aid to be engaged to advise the accused on his next steps.

The matter has been transferred to the High Court in Suva. However, as no High Court date is currently available, Senikaucava is required to reappear before Magistrate Prasad next Wednesday for mention and to secure a new transfer date.

He has been remanded in custody until then.