Magistrate Seini Puamau raised questions over the police prosecution’s handling of the murder case against 28-year-old Rupeni Tokabe, who appeared in the Lautoka Magistrate’s Court on July 30 charged with causing the death of his 25-year-old wife, Makelesi Balekana, during a domestic dispute at their Kaleli Settlement home in Lautoka on July 28.
The prosecution informed the court that Balekana’s post-mortem examination report had not yet been completed. Magistrate Puamau expressed concern, asking for a clear explanation for the delay and noted that filing a murder charge without a post-mortem result was troubling. Corular Nacanieli Lomani confirmed that Balekana’s death certificate lists blunt force trauma as the cause of death. The magistrate ordered that the post-mortem report and the caution interview transcript be prepared for the High Court.
Prosecution officials opposed bail on the basis that the offence is indictable. Tokabe was remanded in custody, and the case was transferred to the High Court in Lautoka, with a call set for August 13. Sources close to the proceedings indicate Tokabe intends to seek legal aid as the matter moves to the High Court.
The incident has drawn attention to ongoing concerns about domestic violence in Fiji. Authorities have reiterated a zero-tolerance stance toward gender-based violence and stressed the importance of timely post-mortem reporting and thorough investigations to ensure due process.
What this means next:
– The High Court in Lautoka will hear the case on August 13, at which point further directions regarding the post-mortem, caution interview transcript, and any bail considerations may be addressed.
– The case underscores broader public safety and domestic-violence prevention efforts in Fiji, with continued emphasis on awareness and support for affected families.
Summary: Rupeni Tokabe faces a murder charge for the death of his wife after a domestic dispute in Lautoka. With the post-mortem report still pending, the magistrate demanded clarity and readiness of key documents as the case heads to the High Court on August 13, while bail remained denied pending the indictable charge. The proceedings reflect ongoing concerns about domestic violence and the justice system’s approach to such cases, alongside assurances from authorities about addressing these issues through proper legal processes and community support.
Leave a comment