Family members of Sakoca murder accused Sairusi Senilawalawa are yet to be located pending his bail application.
Mr. Senilawalawa, 45, who is charged with one count of murder and two counts of assault, appeared before Justice Thushara Rajasinghe in the High Court in Suva yesterday.
He is alleged to have killed Ovasisi Salusalu, 40, on April 21 this year.
DPP lawyer Naazish Ali strongly objected to bail on the grounds that Mr. Senilawalawa’s wife, son, and daughter were key State witnesses.
Ms. Ali stated that investigating officers had yet to locate them as they had relocated after the alleged incident in Sakoca this year.
Releasing Mr. Senilawalawa on bail, she argued, could lead to potential interference with State witnesses.
Ms. Ali also mentioned that Mr. Senilawalawa’s wife was the victim in the count of assault to which he pleaded guilty, and their 16-year-old son was allegedly instructed by the accused to dispose of the murder weapon.
Mr. Senilawalawa’s lawyer from Legal Aid, Karen Boseiwaqa, said her client was willing to relocate to his brother’s residence if granted bail.