Two men have been charged in connection with the alleged assault of two youths along the Cawaira stretch in Labasa on November 29. Manasa Leko and Iliesa Masisiwa are each facing one count of assault causing actual bodily harm.
The incident reportedly involved the two men allegedly attacking Epeli Asaisea and Akuila Matawaqa, both of whom were intoxicated at the time. During the court proceedings at the Labasa Magistrates Court, the defense attorneys sought bail for the accused, arguing that they are first-time offenders who do not reside with the victims and are prepared to adhere to a curfew while remaining on Vanua Levu.
However, the police prosecutor opposed the bail application, citing concerns that the accused might flee, potentially interfere with witnesses, and pose a threat to the victims due to the violent nature of the alleged attack. The prosecutor pointed out that the victims had traveled to Savusavu last week for massage treatment as a result of their injuries inflicted during the incident.
In a counterargument, the defense maintained that the assault should not be characterized as serious, emphasizing that no weapon was involved and that the medical reports do not indicate severe injuries. They further asserted that the victims were exaggerating their claims regarding the injuries sustained.
The alleged assault is said to have taken place following an incident where the intoxicated youths broke the rear window of a vehicle. Following the hearing, Leko and Masisiwa were remanded at the Vaturekuka Corrections Centre and are scheduled to return to court for a bail ruling on December 16.
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