Murder Duo Transferred to High Court as Prosecution Review Completed
The duo was employed as security personnel at a prominent supermarket in Suva when they allegedly assaulted the victim, suspecting him of stealing on May 4.
Tuesday 14 May 2024 | 14:24
The case involving two men charged with the alleged murder of a 29-year-old has been transferred to the High Court in Suva.
Leone Matai, 43, and Semi Tamanivalu, 25, appeared before Magistrate Lisiate Fotofili at the Nasinu Court in Valelevu yesterday.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions sanctioned the charges against the two following an investigation conducted by the Southern Division Crime Unit.
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The duo was employed as security personnel at a prominent supermarket in Suva when they allegedly assaulted the victim, suspecting him of stealing on May 4.
The victim sustained serious injuries from the alleged assault, resulting in his death, as confirmed in a post-mortem examination.
Matai told the court that he saw the 29-year-old in the supermarket three times before catching him trying to put a biscuit inside his bag.
Magistrate Fotofili informed Matai and Tamanivalu that it was an indictable offence and therefore would be transferred to the High Court, advising them to formally apply for bail there.
They have no previous convictions and have sought the assistance of Legal Aid Commission.
Magistrate Fotofili reminded Matai and Tamanivalu to arrange for their sureties, as their bail will be determined when they reappear in the High Court on May 24th.
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