Tevita Kapawale, who is facing multiple charges including five counts of murder, has been denied bail by the High Court in Suva. During a court appearance this morning before Justice Dane Tuiqereqere, Kapawale also faced charges of attempted murder and intimidation.
The accusations against him relate to the alleged murders of three Indonesians and two Fijians aboard the FV Tiro 2 on May 18, 2021, following a heated argument among crew members. This was Kapawale’s second request for bail, where he expressed a need to support his family financially.
Justice Tuiqereqere cited Kapawale’s previous failures to attend court on two occasions as a reason for denying bail. Although Kapawale did turn himself in after a bench warrant was issued, the judge noted that this did not excuse his earlier absences.
The trial date has been set for January. Justice Tuiqereqere expressed concerns that if bail were granted, there could be a risk that Kapawale might not return for the trial. He acknowledged the presumption of innocence but emphasized the seriousness of the charges and the substantial evidence against Kapawale. Should he be found guilty of murder, he faces a potential life sentence.