A video-recorded interview (VRI) played in the High Court showed that murder accused Apisai Madigibuli claimed he was unaware of, and did not approve of, his wife Kitiana Baravilala working in Suva while he was incarcerated for 10 months.
He said, he only learnt after his release in December 2023, that she had left Savusavu to work at a massage parlour in Damodar City.
Mr Madigibuli, who is on trial for allegedly stabbing his wife multiple times between April 24 and 25, 2024, had been married to her for seven years, and they had two children.
During the interview, conducted in English by a policewoman and an acting inspector, he recalled visiting his wife at her workplace before travelling to Nadi, where he stayed with his brother.
He said his wife was living in Toorak, Suva with her grandmother and that he travelled between Savusavu and Nadi. When questioned about the murder allegations, he chose to remain silent.
He also described a meeting, where his wife appeared angry and told him to return to Savusavu, adding that he learnt of her pregnancy over the phone. Days before the alleged incident, he said he had travelled from Savusavu to visit his brother in Nadi.
Only part of the three-day caution interview has been played in court so far, with the remaining 15 to 17 minutes yet to be heard.
The trial will resume on April 9, before Justice Dane Tuiqereqere.
