Court to rule on bail application of 45 men allegedly involved in Nabua brawl at 2pm today

Chief Magistrate Usaia Ratuvili will deliver his ruling on the bail application of the 45 men who were allegedly involved in the Nabua brawl at 2pm today.

Legal Aid lawyer, Lice Manulevu who is representing 40 of the accused made submissions that the court not consider the affidavit by the Police as it does not have statements of people mentioned in their report.

She said the affidavit has a table of incidents in Nabua from 20th March to 4th October that is trying to highlight what happened but it does not have statements.

Manulevu said most names on the affidavit are unknown to them.

She also said most of the accused were bystanders during the alleged incident last Monday.

Kitione Rawalai's lawyer, Joji Cakau submitted his client was at the wrong place at the wrong time and he has not been specifically identified in any of the statements.

He said his client wants to reconcile with the community and to do that he would need to be bailed.

Meanwhile, Director Police Prosecution SSP Sakeo Raikaci told the court that they are worried about the safety of the community.

He said the issue about the accused being at the wrong place at the wrong time can be left to the court to decide during the trial.

The 45 men accused are Sekove Serukalou, Maciu Tamani, Nimilote Qovu, John Shackley, Lenaitasi Kasa, Siteri Tabu, Isoa Vavala, Carl Ligairi, Timoci Ravudi, Eroni Seru, Semi Navonu, Mark Wayne Qaqanilawa, Rupeni Savu, Josua Qaqanivalu, Loroisio Salaba, Joseva Edward, Anare Sawailau, Anare Mualevu, Lino Faitala, Semi Davui, Vilikesa Ranatora, Nepote Cama, Peni Waqa, Rusiate Togatogarua, Kitione Rawalai, Peni Rokotavaga, Sailasa Leqeti, Jalesi Radrodro, Savenaca Koro, Taniela Kepa, Timoci Vakarewa, Samuela Ledua, Micheal Fifita, Netani Tokalauvere, Mosese Mamafainoa, Sunia Radrodro, Jeremaia Ubitau, Apitalala Raikuna, Maikeli Rokoua, Kafomika Foumanu, Ilisoni Tawake, Josaia Ratumaitavuki, Sairusi Matia, Sakeasi Rosakuwai and Joeli Taura.

The 45 adults and 14 juveniles have been jointly charged with Unlawful Procession, Malicious Acts, Disobedience of Lawful Order, Throwing stones and Criminal Intimidation.

Lenaitasi Kasa is also charged with a count of illegal possession of illicit drugs.

He was allegedly found with 14 grams of marijuana.

The 14 juveniles were granted bail by the Suva Juvenile Court last week.

The youngest accused is 12-years-old, another accused is 14-years-old, 3 are 15-years-old, 2 are 16-years-old while the others are 17-years-old.

They will be appearing in court on the 11th of November.

They were taken into custody with the assistance of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces officers on Monday last week.

Eyewitnesses reported that men and youths from Sukanaivalu Road and others from other areas came to Mead Road Housing and stoned a number of houses and some people.

This also resulted in a brawl involving the men and youths from Mead Road Housing and Sukanaivalu Road.

Police say two adults and a juvenile were injured, treated and sent home.