A man suspected of stealing from a elderly individual has been remanded in custody following a court appearance. Isimeli Batibalei faced Magistrate Charles Ratakele at Nasinu’s Magistrate’s Court, where he was charged with theft and resisting arrest. The alleged incident involving the 69-year-old victim occurred on February 9 and was captured on a widely circulated video that has attracted significant attention on social media.
During the proceedings, police prosecutors objected to bail, emphasizing the need to protect vulnerable members of the community, particularly the elderly. The case is set to be revisited on February 26.
In a separate legal matter, former ANZ Bank reconciliation officer Sofia Khan has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges of money laundering. She appeared alongside police officer Jean Baleinabuli in Suva’s Magistrate’s Court. Khan faces eight counts of fraudulent falsification of accounts and an equal number of money laundering charges. It is alleged that she misappropriated $233,230.27 from ANZ Bank, funds that were reportedly laundered into Baleinabuli’s account, her de facto partner.
The prosecution indicated that the defendants need to clarify if they will contest the caution interview before proceeding with the case. Magistrate Pulekeria Low has mandated that the accused parties submit any grounds for voir dire within 21 days and has scheduled the prosecution to disclose necessary documents by March 26. The matter will be reviewed on April 5 to ensure compliance with these directives.
These incidents reflect ongoing concerns about financial crimes and crimes against vulnerable populations, highlighting the importance of judicial scrutiny in protecting community members.
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