Pio Ratuwaqa

The case of a man facing a charge of alleged manslaughter has been transferred to the Suva High Court.

Pio Ratuwaqa appeared in the Suva Magistrates Court this morning.

He is also facing one count of driving with a concentration of alcohol beyond the excess limit present in his blood.

The prosecution requested for the case to be transferred to the High Court as manslaughter is an indictable offence and defense counsel, Filimoni Vosarogo agreed.

However, Vosarogo’s request for bail was denied.

The court informed him that an application was made during the previous hearing and was not granted.

The Magistrate informed defense to seek bail from the High Court, when the manslaughter case will be called on April 17th.

For the alleged traffic offense – full disclosures have been served and the matter will be heard in the Suva Magistrates Court on May 8th for plea.

Ratuwaqa’s bail for the traffic charge has been extended, however, he is remanded for the charge of manslaughter.

The accident occurred along Nasese in Suva on early Saturday morning where Ratuwaqa allegedly lost control of the vehicle causing it to veer off the road at Gardiner Place.

A team from the Totogo Police Station managed to rescue the driver and the passenger from the vehicle which was partially submerged in water.

The female passenger was rushed to the CWM Hospital and was pronounced dead on arrival.