Court Grants Bail Variation for Ex-Corrections Officers

The High Court in Lautoka granted variations to the bail conditions for three out of four former corrections officers facing murder charges.

This is in the case of Onisimo Raboiliku, Semesa Bulikalougata, Suliasi Tubuna, and Navitalai Kanavo who are charged with the murder of a remand inmate, Jone Masirewa, in 2020 and assault causing actual bodily harm of remand prisoner Jone Nawali.

The case was heard by High Court Judge, Justice Sekonaia Vodokisolomone. Raboiliku represented himself, Bulikalougata was represented by Samuela Heritage, Tubuna by Paula Gade, and Kanavo by Kelly Vulimainadave.

Sheenal Swastika appeared for the state.

Ms Vulimainadave told the court that Kanavo requested a change in his bail condition to report to the Namaka Police station every Saturday.

Mr Heritage also asked for a change in his client’s bail condition, requesting that Bulikalougata’s curfew be removed and that he only sign in on the last Saturday of each month.

The court heard Mr Gade additionally sought for variation of Tubuna’s bail condition for him to report to the Nalawa Police Post since he was now residing at Navitilevu Village in Ra.

Ms Swastika told the court further disclosures were pending, which included the CCTV footage and she sought leave from the court to file the same.

Justice Vodokisolomone approved the requests and granted bail variations for the second, third, and fourth accused persons as well.

Ms Swastika said the State could now sort out the pretrial conference issues and a trial spanning three weeks was anticipated, however she sought a short adjournment date.

Justice Vodokisolomone adjourned the matter to April 24 to finalise the trial date.

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