The case regarding six men who allegedly broke into the late former President and Turaga Bale Na Tui Nayau and Tui Lau, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara’s home in Tubou village, Lakeba has been transferred back to the Suva Magistrates Court.
High Court Judge Justice Vincent Perera has transferred the case to Chief Magistrate Usaia Ratuvili and says he will have to decide whether the six men will be granted bail.
The case will be called for mention in the Suva Magistrates Court next Friday.
20‑year‑old James Kacilala, 20‑year‑old Josua Gaunavinaka, 20‑year‑old Akapusi Qera, 18‑year‑old Waisake Kaisuva, 23‑year‑old Tevita Lagiloaloa and 18‑year‑old Pita Kautapola are each charged with one count of burglary.
Pita Kautapola is also charged with one count of theft.
It is alleged that on the 5th of last month, Kacilala, Gaunavinaka, Qera, Kaisuva and Lagiloaloa were drinking home brew when Kacilala came up with the idea that there was alcohol at the late Ratu Mara’s residence and asked others to break into the house.
It is alleged that they all agreed.
Kacilala, Gaunavinaka and Qera allegedly climbed over the wooden fence and went straight to the back door of the house where they broke a window and climbed in the house.
They allegedly stole assorted alcohol while Gaunavinaka also broke a wooden chest which was inside the late Ratu Mara’s room and stole 42 tabua with magimagi.
It is alleged that Kacilala then told Gaunavinaka to put the tabua back which he did and they all went back and started drinking beer.
It is alleged that Pita Kautapola went back again and stole 42 tabua and later informed Kacilala that he stole a bag of tabua and they went to Kacilala’s house and buried the tabua.
Police had earlier said that all the tabua have been recovered.
The six have been remanded in custody.
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