The High Court in Suva has set a final adjournment date for the pretrial conference in the case of alleged murderer Inoke Qalo Loloma from Vugalei, Lami. Defence attorney Shirley Tivao appeared before Justice Thushara Rajasinghe last Friday to request another adjournment, as the primary lawyer on the case, Susan Serukai, was unavailable.
Loloma faces a murder charge for allegedly punching a 43-year-old man during a Christmas Eve drinking party last year in Vugalei. During the hearing, Tivao conveyed that State Prosecutor Tevita Naimila expressed a desire to convene again for another pretrial conference, but Serukai was unable to meet with them this week.
Justice Rajasinghe indicated that the court cannot continue to allow adjournments, noting that the case has been scheduled for pretrial conference for over two weeks. Tivao informed the court that cases were being reorganized, and she might take over the case moving forward.
Tivao mentioned that Serukai had been rushed to the hospital the previous Thursday night and was expected to attend the hearing. She stated that she had not yet discussed the trial strategy with Serukai, emphasizing that she could not make further decisions without instructions.
The case has now been rescheduled for a final pretrial conference on January 31, 2025.