A Suva sixth-former charged with the murder of a man in his 20s has had his case transferred to the High Court in Suva as he’s further remanded in custody.
18-year-old Rihaal Kumar made his first appearance today before Magistrate Charles Ratakele in the Suva Magistrates Court.
The teenager allegedly murdered Sharuf Shaakir Khan in an apartment complex on Waimanu Road last Friday (July 7).
The accused has opted for the assistance of the Legal Aid Commission, with Timoci Varinava appearing as duty solicitor.
Mr Varinava requested bail for his client, given that he was willing to abide by strict bail conditions and that he was presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Inspector Luke Qerewaqa, however, objected to bail based on public interest and the high likelihood of the accused interfering with prosecution witnesses.
He also indicated to the court the accused and deceased shared no domestic relationship.
Magistrate Ratakele denied bail and transferred the case to the High Court for first call on July 18.
