A 24-year-old man charged with murder will appear in the High Court in Suva today for a ruling on his bail application. Ledua Vakaloloma faces a single count of murder in connection to the death of Lemeki Duidomo, which occurred during a confrontation outside a motel in Suva in April 2020.
During the hearing, prosecutor Hezekiah Nofaga expressed the prosecution’s opposition to granting bail, arguing that if found guilty, Vakaloloma faces a mandatory life sentence, raising concerns about the possibility of him not returning to custody.
Vakaloloma reportedly requested bail to assist his siblings, but Nofaga emphasized that the seriousness of the charges outweighed Vakaloloma’s personal interests. Additionally, Vakaloloma has an ongoing case in the Suva Magistrate’s Court, which includes two counts of kidnapping, two of assault, and one of causing grievous harm. This pending matter was also cited by the prosecution as a reason to deny bail.
Nofaga indicated that keeping the accused in custody would facilitate a more expedited process for the case. In contrast, Vakaloloma’s attorney, Karen Boseiwaqa, assured the court that her client would comply with any conditions set if he were to be granted bail.