State: Madigibuli High Risk to the Community

Apisai Madigibuli, accused of the murder of his pregnant wife, was deemed a high risk to the community by State Prosecution, leading to objections against his bail application.

Madigibuli appeared before Justice Diane Tuiqereqere at the Suva High Court yesterday, facing one count of murder.

The 27-year-old is alleged to have murdered his 25-year-old wife, Kitiana Baravilala, who was six months pregnant, at an apartment complex in Suva on July 28 this year.

Prosecutor Monisha Naidu argued that granting bail to Madigibuli would pose significant risks.

Naidu pointed out that Madigibuli had prior convictions, having been sentenced in 2022 and only recently released last December.

She said that the offense was heinous.

Citing Section 26 (2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders (Irrelevant Convictions) Act 1997, Naidu explained that the period of rehabilitation begins after an individual is reintegrated into society.

Madigibuli, she argued, had barely re-entered society before committing another serious crime.

In her submissions, Naidu detailed the harrowing cause of death and expressed concerns that releasing Madigibuli would endanger witnesses.

She also questioned the reliability of the two sureties, as both lived in Nadi, which raised further doubts about granting bail.

Naidu told the court that if Madigibuli were convicted, he would face a custodial sentence and that there was a strong likelihood he would not return to court.

Defense lawyer Paula Gade requested time to respond to the State’s submissions, seeking an extension until September 30. Gade also inquired about the State’s surety checks, prompting Justice Tuiqereqere to urge the prosecution to verify the sureties’ credibility swiftly.

The case was adjourned to September 23 to address pretrial conference matters and to rule on the bail application.

The production order for Madigibuli was extended.

Feedback: Beranadeta@fijisun.com.fj