Motion to visit victim | Magistrate rejects trio’s request

The Labasa Magistrate’s Court heard that three people, who allegedly assaulted a woman which led to her death, had filed a motion to visit the deceased while she was being kept in the mortuary.

The three, Sairusi Maqosa, 39, a fisherman and the victim’s husband, Akuila Matawaqa, 38, also a fisherman and his wife Emaly Yalati, 30, a housewife, charged with act with intent to cause grievous harm, were granted bail and appeared before Magistrate Safaira Ratu on March 26.

Their motion to visit the victim at the Labasa Hospital mortuary was rejected by police prosecutor Laniana Musuqawa, who told the court, that it was in their best interest and safety.

Ms Musuqawa said tension was high following the victim’s death and had asked the court to only allow the victim’s children to visit their late mother but in the company of police officers.

Magistrate Ratu granted the plea to the court but refused the motion filed by the three accused persons who live in Malau.

The woman died at Labasa Hospital last week after being admitted for a month in the Intensive Care Unit. She was allegedly assaulted during a drinking party.

She would be laid to rest on Saturday in her village at Naduri, Macuata. Police have also sent their files to the DPP’s office to amend the charges to murder.