Family members of Sairusi Senilawalawa, who is accused of murder in Sakoca, have yet to be located pending his bail application.
Mr. Senilawalawa, 45, facing one count of murder and two counts of assault, appeared before Justice Thushara Rajasinghe in the High Court in Suva yesterday.
He is alleged to have killed Ovasisi Salusalu, 40, on April 21 this year.
DPP lawyer Naazish Ali strongly objected to bail on the grounds that Mr. Senilawalawa’s wife, son, and daughter are key State witnesses.
Ms. Ali stated that investigating officers have been unable to locate them since they relocated after the alleged incident.
She argued that releasing Mr. Senilawalawa on bail could lead to potential interference with State witnesses.
Ms. Ali further mentioned that Mr. Senilawalawa’s wife is the victim in the assault charge to which he pleaded guilty, and their 16-year-old son was allegedly instructed by the accused to dispose of the murder weapon.
Mr. Senilawalawa’s lawyer, Karen Boseiwaqa from Legal Aid, stated that her client was willing to relocate to his brother’s residence if granted bail.