The High Court in Suva has granted a final adjournment for the pretrial conference of Inoke Qalo Loloma, an alleged murderer from Vugalei, Lami. Defence lawyer Shirley Tivao represented Loloma’s case before Justice Thushara Rajasinghe last Friday, as the primary lawyer, Susan Serukai, was unavailable to attend.
Loloma faces one count of murder for allegedly striking a 43-year-old man during a drinking party on Christmas Eve last year at Vugalei. During the proceedings, Ms. Tivao informed the court that State Prosecutor Tevita Naimila had expressed a desire to schedule another meeting for the pretrial conference (PTC), but Ms. Serukai was unable to do so this week.
Justice Rajasinghe emphasized the importance of resolving the case, stating that ongoing requests for adjournments could not continue, as the PTC had been pending for over two weeks. Ms. Tivao noted that there were changes in case management and that she might be taking over the case moving forward.
She explained that Ms. Serukai had to be rushed to the hospital again on Thursday evening, although she was meant to participate in the hearing. Additionally, Ms. Tivao said she had not yet discussed the trial strategy with Ms. Serukai, which prevented her from making further decisions regarding the case.
The proceedings have now been rescheduled for January 31, 2025, for the final pretrial conference.