The High Court in Suva has granted the attorney for accused murderer Inoke Qalo Loloma a final adjournment for a pretrial conference. Defense lawyer Shirley Tivao represented Loloma last Friday before Justice Thushara Rajasinghe, requesting an adjournment as the primary attorney, Susan Serukai, was unavailable.
Loloma faces a murder charge for allegedly punching a 43-year-old man during a drinking party on Christmas Eve last year in Vugalei. During the hearing, Tivao informed the court that State Prosecutor Tevita Naimila expressed the desire to reconvene for another pretrial conference, but Serukai was unable to meet this week.
Justice Rajasinghe indicated that the court cannot continue to postpone the proceedings, noting that the case has been scheduled for a pretrial conference for over two weeks. Tivao mentioned that cases were being reshuffled, and she might take over the case moving forward.
Tivao shared that Serukai had been rushed to the hospital the previous Thursday evening, although she was expected to attend the hearing. Tivao stated that she had yet to discuss the trial strategy with Serukai and could not make any further decisions, as she was currently only appearing based on instructions.
The case has now been rescheduled for a final pretrial conference on January 31, 2025.