The man charged with the alleged murder of his partner at an apartment in Suva has pleaded not guilty.
Apisai Driu Madigibuli, currently on remand, appeared before Justice Daine Tuiqereqere at the High Court in Suva, facing one count of murder. The court was informed that on April 25, Madigibuli allegedly murdered his partner, Kitiana Baravilala, at the Waimanu Apartment in Suva by stabbing her multiple times in the neck and hand with a kitchen knife.
Madigibuli’s lawyer, Paula Gade, requested time to finalize their voire dire grounds for the pretrial conference (PTC), asking for 14 days, a request to which State prosecutor Traveshni Sharma did not object.
Mr. Gade also informed the court of their intention to apply for bail at the next proceeding, stating that his client had found suitable sureties who would vouch for him. The delay in filing for bail was due to the absence of a surety for his client.
Justice Tuiqereqere has adjourned the matter to August 5 for the PTC and to review Madigibuli’s bail application.