Court to decide on bail of 45 men allegedly involved in Nabua brawl on Monday

Chief Magistrate Usaia Ratuvili will make a decision on the bail of the 45 men allegedly involved in the Nabua brawl on Monday.

The Chief Magistrate says Police need to provide evidence why the accused are a threat to the community.

He says all 45 accused also need to file individual bail applications before close of business tomorrow.

The Chief Magistrate says the police also need to provide an affidavit of the situation in Nabua as the security of the people has been raised as a reason for objection to bail.

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.

Police Prosecutor, SSP Sakeo Raikaci objected to bail on the ground that this is not the first time a brawl has taken place in Nabua.

He told the court that if bail is granted, their main concern will be the security of the people of the area. SSP Raikaci said there is a likelihood of retaliation or revenge that will threaten the residents of Nabua.

He also said all accused were also charged within 48 hours of them being in custody.

The Police Prosecutor also questioned if the sureties will be able to monitor the accused 24/7.

He adds tension is high in Nabua and releasing the accused will add salt to the wound.

The defence requested for bail on the ground that some of the accused are first offenders while the others have no record of absconding bail.

Tawake's lawyer Shah Rukh Ali told the court that his client is only 19-years-old and was at the wrong place at the wrong time as he was visiting his grandfather in Nabua.

Rawalai's lawyer, Joji Cakau said his client is getting ready to enlist in the British Army and staying in remand will damage his prospects.

Meanwhile, the 14 juveniles have been granted bail by the Suva Juvenile Court.

The 14 appeared before Magistrate Joseph Daurewa.

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.

Police objected to their bail on the grounds that the case is of high public interest, they are likely to interfere with the witnesses, the offence is serious in nature and there is commotion in Nabua.

Meanwhile the defence submitted that the Suva Boys' Centre is full and they are all students.

A cash bail of $100 has been set.

The juveniles have to report to the Nabua Police Station on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

A curfew from 6pm to 6am has also been imposed on the juveniles.

If the juveniles are unable to provide the $100 cash bail then they will be remanded until the 21st of October for their next appearance in court.

They will be appearing in court on the 11th of November if they have paid their cash bail before 3pm today.

Meanwhile, there was heavy police presence at Fiji Police Academy in Nasova as the Magistrates Court was set up in the Academy Gym.

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

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

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.