Murder accused Epeli Laqeni has been ordered to refrain from interfering with State witnesses until the conclusion of his criminal trial in the High Court in Suva.
This was among the strict and standard bail conditions imposed by Justice Usaia Ratuvili when granting Mr Laqeni a $5000 non-cash bail bond.
Mr Laqeni faces a count of murder for the death of his de facto partner in September of last year in Nakasi, Nausori.
The former corrections officer sought bail to obtain medical treatment to help him regain his ability to walk, as he is currently wheelchair-bound. He submitted that continued detention could result in permanent impairment. He also claimed that the deceased’s husband, a senior corrections officer, had been harassing him.
His two sureties have been cautioned of their duties and the repercussions if Mr Laqeni does not appear for his case.
The case will be recalled on March 24.
