Apisai Madigibuli, who is accused of murdering his pregnant wife, has been labeled a high risk to the public by State Prosecution, resulting in objections to his bail application. Madigibuli appeared before Justice Diane Tuiqereqere at the Suva High Court yesterday, facing one murder charge.
The 27-year-old is alleged to have killed his 25-year-old wife, Kitiana Baravilala, who was six months pregnant, at a Suva apartment complex on July 28 of this year. Prosecutor Monisha Naidu argued that granting bail would pose significant risks.
Naidu noted Madigibuli’s prior convictions, indicating he had been sentenced in 2022 and was released last December. She described the alleged crime as particularly heinous.
Referencing Section 26 (2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders (Irrelevant Convictions) Act 1997, Naidu explained that rehabilitation periods start only after an individual has been reintegrated into society. She stated that Madigibuli had barely reintegrated before committing another serious offense.
In her argument, Naidu provided details about the cause of death and expressed concerns that releasing Madigibuli could jeopardize witnesses. She also questioned the reliability of the two sureties, both of whom reside in Nadi, raising further doubts about bail approval.
Naidu informed the court that a conviction would likely result in a custodial sentence and there was a strong possibility Madigibuli would not appear for future court proceedings.
Defense lawyer Paula Gade requested additional time to respond to the State’s arguments, asking for an extension until September 30. Gade also sought clarification regarding the State’s verification of the sureties, prompting Justice Tuiqereqere to encourage the prosecution to confirm their credibility promptly.
The case has been adjourned to September 23 to address pretrial matters and decide on the bail application, with the production order for Madigibuli extended.