The man charged with the alleged murder of his partner at an apartment in Suva has pleaded not guilty. Apisai Driu Madigibuli, who is 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 additional time to finalize their voir dire grounds for the pretrial conference (PTC). Mr. Gade sought 14 days, and State prosecutor, Traveshni Sharma, did not object to this request.
Mr. Gade also informed the court that they plan to file for bail in the next proceeding, as his client has now identified suitable sureties who would vouch for him. He explained that they had not filed for bail earlier due to the lack of a surety for his client.
Justice Tuiqereqere adjourned the matter to August 5 for the PTC and to review Madigibuli’s bail application.