The two suspended police officers who were allegedly involved in the death of 26‑year‑old Josua Lalauvaki have been denied bail.
They appeared before Suva Magistrate Asanga Bodaragama who has ordered that the two suspended officers be kept separate from other remand prisoners.
Suspended Police Officers Kelepi Tautaumacala Kolinisau and Selema Tikoenaburevere have been charged with murder.
They were charged for allegedly murdering Josua Lalauvaki following an argument outside a Suva nightclub on 2nd of September this year.
Lalauvaki died at CWM Hospital on 11th of last month as a result of injuries sustained following the alleged police assault.
Both accused persons are represented by lawyer Litiana Ratidara who has requested that they be granted bail for their protection.
Ratidara had said since the accused are police officers, they are known to most of the remand prisoners. She also stated that the first accused Kelepi Tautaumacala’s wife is pregnant and is about to give birth.
State lawyer Meli Vosawale had objected to bail saying there is a potential witness who is the brother of the deceased and is a Prison Officer.
He has also requested that the matter be transferred to the High Court.
Magistrate Bodaragama denied the bail application saying they have been charged with an indictable offence and are a threat to public safety.
Both accused have been further remanded in custody and will be produced again in court on the 30th of this month.
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