Rusiate Raiwalu

A 32-year-old man who is charged with the murder of a New Zealand national has been remanded by the Suva Magistrates Court today.

It is alleged that last Wednesday, in Lami, Rusiate Raiwalu murdered Ashkan Farsani Rikthegazader.

In Court today, police prosecution served full phase disclosure and the charge was read to the accused who stated he understood it.

The Magistrate stated that murder is an indictable offence and can only be heard in the High Court, hence, the case has been transferred.

The Court also denied Raiwalu’s bail application, stating the offence is serious and he needs to be remanded.

Raiwalu has been given 21 days to file an alibi notice with the Court registry.

It is understood Farsani was a businessman from Auckland who was involved in taro export.

He was dropped off in a Silver Prius on Wednesday afternoon near the CWM Hospital Accident and Emergency ward, however, attempts to revive him were futile.

The car that dropped him was later found abandoned in Tacirua.

The matter will now be called in the High Court on May 28^th.