The man charged with the alleged murder of his partner at an apartment in Suva has pleaded not guilty. Apisai Driu Madigibuli, who is on remand, appeared before Justice Daine Tuiqereqere at the High Court in Suva, facing one count of murder.
The court heard 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 more time to finalize their voire dire grounds for the pretrial conference (PTC). Gade sought 14 days for this purpose, a request the State prosecutor, Traveshni Sharma, did not oppose.
Gade also informed the court of plans to apply for bail in the next proceeding, noting that his client had recently found suitable sureties to vouch for him. Gade explained that they had not filed for bail previously because they had not found a surety.
Justice Tuiqereqere adjourned the matter to August 5 for the PTC and to review Madigibuli’s bail status.