Murder-accused Apisai Madigibuli has told the court he still intends to represent himself as his high‑profile trial is slated to begin in April 2026 at the Suva High Court. He appeared for a mention this morning before Justice Dane Tuiqereqere. Madigibuli is charged with one count of murder for the alleged fatal stabbing of Kitiana Baravilala with a kitchen knife on April 25 last year at the Waimanu Apartment in Suva. He remains in custody and the case was adjourned to August 26 for further pretrial steps, with State counsel Monisha Naidu appearing for the State.
Context from prior proceedings shows the defence has previously sought additional time to prepare their voir dire grounds for the pretrial conference and indicated an intention to apply for bail, after identifying suitable sureties. These steps have been part of the ongoing process as the matter moves toward trial.
What to watch next
– Whether Madigibuli proceeds with self-representation or changes course before the April 2026 trial.
– Any decisions on bail or further pretrial hearings, including voir dire developments.
– The progression of pretrial matters at the Suva High Court, and the eventual schedule for the trial.
Summary
A murder case in Suva proceeds with Apisai Madigibuli facing a charge for the death of Kitiana Baravilala, the matter moving toward a trial set for April 2026, with further pretrial steps scheduled.
If you’d like, I can add a brief explainer on what voir dire means in this context or offer a short, reader-friendly timeline of the case as it develops.
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