The High Court has advised murder accused Edward Nand to engage a lawyer due to his lack of understanding of the technicality of the charges.

Nand appeared before Justice Pita Bulamainaivalu alongside co-accused Semi Naisevunivai and Viliame Vulawalu. They are alleged to have killed Afroz Khan by hitting him several times with a wheel spanner before drowning him in a river sometime between November 27 and December 27 last year.

The matter was called for the consolidation of charges, which neither party objected to.

Nand, a serving prisoner, is having difficulty in engaging lawyer Sunil Gosai while behind bars and has opted for self-representation while his two co-accused are represented by Andala Dean from the Legal Aid Commission.

However, Justice Bulamainaivalu emphasised the importance of understanding the particulars of the “fault element” relied upon by the prosecution, thus it was paramount for Nand to seek a lawyer from the commission.

The ‘fault element’ relied upon by prosecutor Unaisi Ratukalou is recklessness as causing death, therefore, a lawyer is needed to assist Nand understand the technicalities of the issue.

Ms Ratukalou has been granted time to serve the bundle of documents in phases.

Nand is currently serving a life sentence for murder with a minimum term of 18 years.