Apisai Madigibuli, who stands accused of murdering his pregnant wife, has been classified as a high risk to the community by the State Prosecution, resulting in objections to his bail request.
Madigibuli appeared in the Suva High Court before Justice Diane Tuiqereqere, facing a single murder charge. The 27-year-old is accused of killing his 25-year-old wife, Kitiana Baravilala, who was six months pregnant, at a Suva apartment complex on July 28.
Prosecutor Monisha Naidu contended that granting bail would present substantial risks. She highlighted Madigibuli’s prior convictions, noting he had received a sentence in 2022 and was released just last December. Naidu characterized the act as particularly heinous and invoked the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, asserting that the rehabilitation period begins after a person is reintegrated into society.
She argued that Madigibuli had barely re-entered society before allegedly committing another grave offense. During her arguments, Naidu detailed the distressing circumstances surrounding the death and expressed worries that his release could jeopardize the safety of witnesses.
Moreover, she raised concerns about the credibility of the two sureties proposed for Madigibuli’s bail due to their residence in Nadi, casting further doubt on the viability of granting bail. Naidu indicated that, if convicted, Madigibuli could face a prison sentence and that there was a significant chance he would not appear in court.
Defense attorney Paula Gade asked for additional time to respond to the prosecution’s arguments, requesting an extension until September 30. She also queried the State regarding the verification of the sureties, which led Justice Tuiqereqere to encourage a prompt assessment of their credibility.
The court has adjourned proceedings until September 23 to discuss pretrial matters and make a decision on the bail application. The production order for Madigibuli has been extended.