Suva Lawyer, Shazran Abdul Lateef

Suva Lawyer, Shazran Abdul Lateef who is already facing drug-related charges was remanded in custody for a new offense.

Lateef who is now charged with two counts of theft appeared at the Suva Magistrates Court this afternoon.

It is alleged he stole mobile phones between last December and January.

The prosecution objected to bail saying the case is of public interest, and there’s a likelihood he may re-offend while on bail and may interfere with the prosecution witness.

Lateef appeared in the Magistrates court last week, facing a new charge of unlawful possession of illicit drugs and his lawyer Davenesh Sharma said that this new charge is arising from this second case.

Sharma said that this charge should have been brought up that time.

He said this is an abuse of process.

It’s alleged that the stolen mobile phones were discovered during a recent raid.

The Suva Magistrate noted that Lateef also has a pending matter and there is a need for a proper bail hearing.

The Magistrate remanded Lateef until 15th of this month, however, the accused claimed that he is being victimized.

He also brought up the issue that he has not breached any bail conditions.

The defense asked if the bail hearing could be called earlier however prosecution said they will need seven days to file their affidavit.

The prosecution has been given seven days to file while defense has been given one day to file their response.

The matter has been adjourned to next Thursday.