Epeli Laqeni, a former officer of the Fiji Corrections Service, has appeared in the Suva High Court facing murder charges linked to the death of his de facto partner in Nakasi. The alleged incident took place between September 3 and 5 of this year. During the court proceedings presided over by Justice Waleen George, questions arose regarding injuries Laqeni sustained during the event.
Justice George highlighted the significance of Laqeni’s healing process, implying that the wounds should have improved unless he chose to forgo medical care. The court directed that Laqeni receive medical treatment at the remand center, as his legal team reported he is currently struggling to stand or walk. Laqeni raised concerns about the risk of contracting HIV due to his injuries, prompting Justice George to address the transmission of the virus.
State Counsel Naazish Ali informed the court that essential disclosures are still outstanding, including a post-mortem report from the police that is yet to be received. Although the post-mortem examination has been completed, the doctor responsible for it is presently on leave. Furthermore, a translation of a video-recorded interview with Laqeni is also pending. Ali assured the court that these documents would be provided to the defense counsel before the next hearing.
The case has been postponed until the 17th of this month, where it will be overseen by Judge Justice Daniel Goundar. This incident highlights ongoing issues surrounding domestic violence in Fiji, reiterating the urgent need for effective reporting and legal action in such serious cases. Authorities are emphasizing the necessity for comprehensive investigations and due legal processes to ensure justice and safety for victims of domestic violence, reaffirming the societal obligation to address these critical concerns with urgency.