Five people including a juvenile appeared in the Labasa High Court today charged with attempted murder and intimidation in Savusavu.

Five people including a juvenile appeared in the Labasa High Court today charged with attempted murder and intimidation in Savusavu.

44-year-old Are Kakanu, 18-year-old Esala Dau, 42-year-old Maikeli Dawai, Bob John Maisamoa and one other are alleged to have beaten and threatened Mairewa Kakalo on the 23rd of last month at Waisagavuna Settlement in Tacilevu Village.

The court heard that Kakanu and Dau allegedly took Kakalo to a secluded location, threatened him and beat him up for informing police about their marijuana farm which was uprooted in a drug operation.

They then allegedly dug a hole plantation and forced Kakalo inside, saying that he will be buried alive. It’s also alleged that the victim was forced to eat goat feces and had his hair cut off.

Kakalo was allegedly made to sit inside the hole and told he was going to be buried alive. However, he was later allegedly taken to a house where he was beaten again while his hands were tied.

The third accused, Maikeli Dawai then allegedly sat next to Kakalo and sharpened a cane knife, put the blade on his neck and allegedly threatened to kill him.

The alleged torture stopped when the wife of one of the accused returned home.

Kakalo was allegedly forced to remain in the house overnight and drink kava with all five accused. He was allegedly seen at the house by his father the next day and his brother came and got him.

Kakalo also alleges that while he was being tortured and threatened, one of the accused was filming on his mobile phone.

All accused have pleaded not guilty. The juvenile has been bailed while the rest remain in custody. The case will be called again on Monday.