A farmer, Leone Lesumailepanoni, is facing charges of aggravated robbery related to an incident at the Alison Supermarket located in Laucala Beach Estate, near Suva. The alleged robbery, which occurred on December 2 of the previous year, involved Lesumailepanoni and two accomplices tying up a taxi driver, threatening supermarket staff and customers with cane knives, and stealing significant amounts of cash.
During recent proceedings at the High Court in Suva, Lesumailepanoni’s attorney, Shivani Narayan, argued that the police mishandled the identification parade, asserting it was conducted unfairly. The lawyer plans to call three witnesses to testify that Lesumailepanoni was at home at the time of the robbery.
Prosecutor Simone Seruvatu emphasized that the case will heavily rely on circumstantial evidence, including CCTV footage and testimonies from civilian witnesses. The prosecution aims to link the clothing worn by the accused during the robbery to items recovered by police during his arrest.
The case highlights serious concerns regarding violent crime in commercial areas, showcasing these troubling incidents’ impact on community safety. It remains essential for law enforcement to maintain effective security measures in local businesses to protect patrons and employees alike.
As the legal proceedings continue with a scheduled trial set to begin on September 8, there is a shared hope within the community that justice will prevail, contributing to a safer environment for all.
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