Two men appeared in the Savusavu Magistrates Court today facing charges related to a violent robbery against government officials that occurred last week in Vusasivo, Cakaudrove. Kavireli Waqa and Sairusi Lebaivalu are each charged with five counts of aggravated robbery, along with one count of assault causing actual bodily harm.
The suspects were arrested following accusations of attacking and robbing a team of government officials during a field visit in the area. They are currently in police custody and represented by lawyer Susana Ben from Kohli & Singh Law Firm.
Magistrate Panapasa Tawake has ordered that Waqa and Lebaivalu remain in custody until their next court date, citing the severe nature of the charges and the public interest surrounding the case. Authorities are also on the lookout for a third suspect who is believed to have been involved in the incident, as investigations are ongoing.
The robbery has raised significant alarm within the local community, especially considering the victims were public servants executing their official duties. Acting Prime Minister Filimoni Vosarogo has strongly condemned the attack, reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting civil servants and urging public officials in potentially high-risk areas to seek police escorts for safety.
In response to the incident, local police have pledged to conduct a comprehensive investigation and emphasize the importance of communal collaboration in ensuring a secure environment. Court proceedings are scheduled to continue on December 2nd at the Labasa High Court, where there is hope for justice and the assurance of enhanced safety measures for public officials serving the community.