A 24-year-old man charged with murder will appear in the High Court in Suva today for a ruling on his bail application. Ledua Vakaloloma faces one count of murder in connection with the death of Lemeki Duidomo, which allegedly occurred during an altercation outside a motel in Suva in April 2020.
The Director of Public Prosecutions’ lawyer, Hezekiah Nofaga, presented arguments against granting bail, citing the potential for a mandatory life sentence if Vakaloloma is found guilty. Nofaga expressed concern that the accused might not return to custody given the serious nature of the charges against him.
While Vakaloloma has expressed a desire to be released on bail to support his siblings, Nofaga argued that the severity of the charges outweighed personal considerations. He also noted that Vakaloloma has an ongoing case in the Suva Magistrate’s Court involving multiple charges, including two counts of kidnapping, two of assault, and one of causing grievous harm, which further justified the prosecution’s objection to bail.
Nofaga emphasized that keeping Vakaloloma in custody would help expedite the legal proceedings. In contrast, Vakaloloma’s attorney, Karen Boseiwaqa, assured the court that her client would comply with any conditions set if granted bail.