Qera charged for break-in at late former President’s home appears in court

20-year-old Akapusi Qera who is charged with one count of burglary appeared before Chief Magistrate Usaia Ratuvili.

Chief Magistrate Ratuvili had ordered earlier today that a production order be served for Qera to attend court this afternoon.

He is charged with five other people in relation to the break-in at the late former President and Turaga Bale Na Tui Nayau and Tui Lau Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara’s home in Tubou village, Lakeba.

20-year-old James Kacilala, 20-year-old Josua Gaunavinaka, 18-year-old Waisake Kaisuva and 23-year-old Tevita Lagiloaloa who are each charged with one count of burglary in relation to this case also appeared this afternoon.

The charges were read to them and they told the court that they have understood the charges.

Qera, Kacilala, Gaunavinaka and Kaisuva told the court that they are seeking Legal Aid assistance.

Lagiloaloa waived the right to Legal Aid.

Magistrate Ratuvili says the charge of aggravated robbery is an indictable offence and has transferred the case to the Suva High Court where it will be called on the 10th of next month.

The Magistrate also told Qera, Kacilala, Gaunavinaka and Kaisuva to lodge for the legal aid assistance today.

18-year-old Pita Kautapola is also charged with one count of burglary.

It is alleged that on the 5th of this 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.

All have been remanded in custody.