Rajiv Padyachi

The trial date of a man facing attempted murder has been set.

Rajiv Padyachi’s trial will be held from the 7th to 11th of October in the Suva High Court.

It’s alleged that Padyachi pushed his partner into the water and tried to drown her at Colo-i-Suva Park in Natasiri in September 2018.

The Court heard the two were in a relationship for nine months and the complainant had allegedly given him $78, 700 and Padyachi was going to make a repayment on August 31st.

It is alleged that on the date of the incident, Padyachi initiated an early morning swim, insisting his partner accompany him to the popular swimming spot.

It’s also alleged that upon reaching the pool area, Padyachi pushed his partner into the water knowing that she could not swim.

When the accused saw her trying to swim to the banks, he allegedly jumped in and shoved her head deeper into the water while she struggled and gasped for air.

During the struggle, the victim allegedly scratched Padyachi’s face and was able to shout for help which was heard by a group of people who were trekking down the pool during their training.

The victim was rescued and taken to the Makoi Health Centre for a medical examination and released.

The matter has been adjourned to September 12th for Pre-Trial conference.