11 men charged for gathering and drinking kava acquitted by court

11 men who allegedly gathered to drink kava on Bau Island in 2021 have been acquitted by the Nausori Magistrates Court.

The court has also dismissed their charges.

Kevueli Ratumaitavuki, Aisea Komaitai, Vilikesa Mucunabitu, Ilisavani Bose, Sekove Kacikaci, Ilaisa Kadavu, Ratu Popi Cakobau, Tevita Dausoko Talai Voladra Samuela Bainivanua and Sakaraiya Basu were charged with a count of failure to comply with orders contrary to public health.

They were charged for allegedly gathering without an excuse at Kadavu’s home on the 11th of May in 2021 to drink kava.