The High Court in Suva has approved a lawyer’s request to withdraw from representing Kolinio Naturaga, a former policeman facing allegations of rape. Attorney Shirley Tivao, from Shirley Lavenia Susan Legal, informed Justice Dane Tuiqereqere of her firm’s decision to step back from the case. Naturaga is accused of raping a 26-year-old woman at the Valelevu Police barracks on May 26.
Tivao stated that Naturaga had not been effectively communicating with his legal team, making it difficult to provide the necessary evidence for his defense. She confirmed that she had previously delivered the bail conditions, information, and disclosures related to the case to him.
Following the withdrawal of his legal representation, Naturaga has decided to seek assistance from the Legal Aid Commission. Justice Tuiqereqere announced that the pretrial conference would be postponed for a month to give Naturaga sufficient time to secure new legal representation.
DPP lawyer Simone Seruvatu proposed scheduling a short mention date to check on the status of Naturaga’s new lawyer. On May 30, Naturaga appeared at the Nasinu Magistrate’s Court, where Magistrate Charles Ratakele transferred the case to the High Court. The case is now scheduled for another hearing on August 19.