A 32-year-old man charged with the alleged murder of a New Zealand national has pleaded not guilty.

Rusiate Raiwalui has been charged with one count of murder.

It is alleged that on May 8th this year, Raiwalui allegedly murdered Ashkan Farsani in Lami.

Defense has applied for bail on the grounds that the accused is a first offender and had nothing to do with the alleged crime.

The State is objecting bail based on caution interviews from the two alleged accomplices and evidence from an independent witness who was present on the road during the alleged murder.

The High Court will deliver the bail ruling on notice.

The substantive matter will be recalled on August 28th for mention.