A man charged with the alleged murder of his partner in a Suva apartment pleaded not guilty yesterday.
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 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 time to finalize their voire dire grounds for the pretrial conference (PTC).
Mr. Gade asked for 14 days, which State prosecutor Traveshni Sharma did not object to.
Mr. Gade informed the court that they plan to apply for bail in the next proceeding, as his client has found 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.