Hearing Date Set For Man Charged With Murder Of Daughter’s Partner
It is alleged that he also staged the crime scene to make it appear as a suicide, however Mr Virai died as a result of injuries sustained.
Friday 12 May 2023 | 09:38
Maika Bavou is escorted out of the High Court in Lautoka on May 10,2023. Photo: Salote Qalubau.
The bail hearing for a man charged with the murder of his daughter’s partner will be held at the end of this month at the High Court in Lautoka.
Maika Naisara Bavou allegedly murdered his daughter’s partner Saimoni Virai, 19, at Vatukacevaceva Village in Ra in August 2022.
It is alleged that he also staged the crime scene to make it appear as a suicide, however Mr Virai died as a result of injuries sustained.
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The matter was heard before Justice Riyaz Hamza on Wednesday and Bavou was represented by Legal Aid Commission lawyer Alanieta Bilivalu while Shreta Prakash appeared for prosecution .
The court heard that Bavou’s bail sureties had been found by Ms Bilivalu and the supplementary bail affidavit was filed and served to the state on April 28.
Ms Prakash said prosecution objected to bail and sought seven days to file the affidavit in opposition.
Justice Hamza told Ms Prakash she would need to file the same by May 17 and that Bavou was at liberty to file an affidavit in response to the state’s objections.
Ms Prakash served further disclosures in the substantiative matter which included the reconstruction of scene DVDs to the defence in court. Ms Bilivalu confirmed receiving the same.
Ms Bilivalu said she would need seven days to file the voir dire grounds and Justice Hamza said he would give 14 days, however she would need to file the respective disclosures by May 24.
Justice Hamza set the bail hearing date for May 31 and would call the substantiative matter on the same date.
Story by: salote.qalubau@fijisun.com.fj
