24 people appeared in the Suva Magistrates Court today for allegedly breaching the orders of curfew and gatherings.
These people are charged with failure to comply with orders under the Public Health Act.
Three groups of people appeared before Magistrate Ropate Green for gathering and drinking alcohol while 5 individuals appeared for breaching curfew orders under the Public Health Act.
32-year-old Vatuwaqa resident, Samuela Bulabalavu was found standing at Fletcher Road, Vatuwaqa.
The court was informed that he smelt of alcohol.
Police Prosecutor Sergeant Gandhi Prasad told the court that such cases are of national interest and harsher penalties must be given as people are still found breaching the orders.
Sergeant Prasad also proposed a fine of $2,000.
While delivering his judgment, Magistrate Green says he took into consideration the guilty plea of the accused and the Police prosecutor's concerns and fined Bulabalavu $200 and released him on a bail bond of $200.
Bulabalavu must also report to the Nabua Police Station once every week between Wednesday to Saturday at anytime between 6am to 3pm.
The case will be called for a review on the 13th of May.
45-year-old Raiwai resident, Marewai Vakaloloma pleaded guilty for breaching curfew orders on the 4th of April at Sukanaivalu Road.
Police Prosecutor Corporal Mere Mataki told the court that there is a rise in curfew breakers and a severe fine must be imposed or the accused must do 60 hours of community service.
Vakaloloma was also fined $200. He must report to the Raiwaqa Police Station every Saturday at anytime between 8 am to 6pm.
Magistrate Green also told Vakaloloma that if he is caught again, the court will not be sympathetic again.
The case will be called for a review on the 13th of May.
Suva market vendor Josefa Tuisolo also pleaded guilty for breaching curfew orders and was fined $200.
He has been ordered to pay the fine in 30 days and failure to do so will result in him being imprisoned for 30 days.
The case will also be called for a review on the 13th of May.
20-year-old Josese Edwin Tasani and 19-year-old Jeremiah Digitaki also pleaded guilty for breaching curfew orders at Sukanaivalu Road on the 12th of April.
Sergeant Prasad told the court that the whole world is trying to contain the virus and people like these two are not helping.
The two were also fined $200 each and failure to make the payment will result in the two serving a jail term of 20 days.
The case will also be called for a review on the 13th of May.
8 Toorak residents also pleaded guilty for drinking alcohol, smoking and gambling at Edenville Community Hall in Toorak.
31-year-old Joeli Moko, 27-year-old Laisiasa Tamani, 25-year-old Meli Cakacaka, 20-year-old Tubuka Vakalalabure, 19-year-old Josateki Waqavouvou, 18-year-old Taniela Rokoua, 25-year-old Suruwaia Kirisitiana and 19-year-old Mere Rokovuna were found guilty of failure to comply with orders under the Public Health Act.
Corporal Mataki told the court that these individuals were risking their lives and the lives of others as well.
She also called for harsher penalties as there is a rise in the number of people breaching the orders of curfew and public gathering. She also recommended a fine of $500.
Magistrate Green found the eight guilty and ordered them to pay $300 each within 30 days. He released them on a bail bond of $300 and also imposed a curfew on them from 6pm to 6am.
He also said that the breach is a serious offence and these individuals are risking their own lives and the lives of others.
This case will be called for a review on the 30th of May.
A group of five people were also found guilty for breaching the Public Health Act as they were drinking alcohol behind Post Fiji on the 11th of April.
They were fined $200 each which must be paid within 30 days.
Defaulting on the payment will result in them being imprisoned for 20 days.
They were released on a bail bond of $200 and the case will be called for a review on the 30th of May.
Meanwhile, another group of 6 people were also found guilty for breaching the Public Health Act as they were drinking alcohol at YMCA Suva Youth Centre, off Waimanu Road on the 10th of April.
Sergeant Prasad told the court that the group were drinking alcohol and enjoying themselves when there are people in the country who are suffering.
The court also fined them $200 each.
Defaulting in payment will result in the individuals spending 20 days in jail.
They were released on a bail bond of $200.
The case will be called for a review on the 13th of May.
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