Bail decision on alleged murderer today

The 24 year old man who is charged with the alleged murder of a 4 year old girl in Beqa was remanded in custody overnight, pending a ruling on his bail application which will be made today.

Sefenaia Lotudina of Nawasomu Village, Beqa appeared before Magistrate Mary Muir yesterday afternoon where a decision was supposed to be made on whether or not he would be released on bail.

However, Muir adjourned the case to this morning as new information had arisen and she also revealed that there was not enough information available, for her to make an immediate ruling on bail.

The new information the Court heard was that the surrity, Oliponi Baba, who is the uncle of the accused, is residing in Nasese however this is just a stone throws away from the other witnesses, who are residing at the Nasese Police Barracks.

DPP Lawyer Kevueli Bulamainivalu had then asked the Court that if bail was granted, very strict conditions be imposed as the accuser’s mother was also a witness in the case and was residing near to where the accused would stay if released on bail.

Muir, in adjourning the case, said that this was a very serious offense and she had to take all the factors into account.

The matter has been adjourned until 10.45 this morning and is set for mention in the High Court on the 27th of this month.

Meanwhile, Police have taken a 29 year old man into custody in relation to the alleged murder of a 34 year old woman in Howell Rd last week.

Deputy Director Operations, SP Erame Raibe confirmed the man was arrested earlier yesterday and is currently being interrogated by Crime Officers.

Police had revealed the Kindergarten teacher was allegedly strangled to death inside her house.

There has been no arrests made so far in the Toorak murder as investigations and questioning of people continues.