Two individuals accused of assaulting and subsequently robbing another on Butt Street in Suva earlier this month have been further remanded in custody.
Sireli Veikoso, 22, and Inise Jessie Vitalina,27, made their initial appearance before Magistrate Charles Ratakele at the Suva Magistrate’s Court this afternoon.
The two are jointly charged with a a count of aggravated robbery for the incident that was captured on dashcam video and circulated widely on social media.
They, along with others, are alleged to have assaulted Surendra Singh Rawat and stolen his phone, $50 in cash, and a BSP bank card, which was used to withdraw $10.
The total value of the stolen items amounts to $359.
The incident reportedly took place on June 15, and thanks to social media users and CCTV footage provided by local businesses, the victim was identified, leading to an official report being filed on June 20.
Both Mr Veikoso and Ms Vitalina have chosen to represent themselves in court.
Mr Veikoso argued for bail, citing his responsibilities as the family’s breadwinner, as his mother is unemployed and cares for his younger sister, who is still in school.
He also assured the court that he would be present at all scheduled court appearances.
Conversely, Ms Vitalina told the court that her mother has passed away, leaving her without support for her two younger siblings, aged 20 and 14.
She expressed remorse, attributing her actions on the day of the alleged incident to intoxication.
Meanwhile, Police Prosecutor Sereinagata Elenoa objected to bail, citing the gravity of the charges and emphasizing that the prosecution has a strong case against the two accused.
Ms Elenoa also reported that the pair had made full admissions during the caution interview and that she has provided complete disclosures.
After considering both sides, Mr Ratakele decided to keep the duo in remand.
He informed them that the charge is indictable and will therefore be referred to the High Court.
Mr Ratakele has scheduled a recall of the matter for July 9, and until that date, both individuals will remain in custody.
They may apply for bail at the High Court on July 17.
