One of the two men charged with robbing a yaqona supplier and his employee has decided to withdraw his second bail application. Lepani Mate and Eparama Turaga appeared before Justice Pita Bulamainaivalu facing allegations of aggravated robbery.
The two suspects reportedly contacted the complainant and his employee under the pretense of wanting to purchase 30 kilograms of yaqona. However, during the meeting, the complainant, aged 48, and his 22-year-old employee were threatened and robbed.
Police successfully apprehended Mr. Mate, while Mr. Turaga attempted to flee but was later captured. Their initial bail requests were denied in July due to the prosecutor’s assertion of a strong case against them.
On Wednesday, Mr. Mate announced he would be withdrawing his bail application, while Mr. Turaga plans to proceed with his second application. Mr. Mate is represented by Karen Boseiwaqa and Mr. Turaga by Paula Gade. Both men remain in custody, with the case set to continue on October 9.