Theft accused in remand
A man captured in a video allegedly stealing from an elderly man has been further remanded in custody.
Isimeli Batibalei appeared for the first time before Magistrate Charles Ratakele at the Magistrate’s Court yesterday in Nasinu. Mr Batibalei, who’s alleged action was caught in a video that has gone viral on social media, is charged with one count of theft and one of resisting arrest over the event which allegedly occurred on February 9.
He is alleged to have tried to rob the 69-year-old complainant and resisted police arrest at his residence.
Police prosecution objected to bail, citing Mr Batibalei’s four active charges relating to theft and raising the importance of safeguarding our elderly.
The case has been adjourned to February 26.
Bank officer denies charges
Former ANZ Bank reconciliation officer Sofia Khan has denied multiple counts of money laundering.
Ms Khan, who is charged alongside police officer Jean Baleinabuli, appeared before Magistrate Pulekeria Low at the Magistrate’s Court in Suva.
Ms Khan is charged with eight counts of fraudulent falsification of accounts and eight of money laundering, while Mr Baleinabuli is charged with 20 counts of money laundering.
It is alleged Ms Khan fraudulently falsified multiple accounts and stole $233,230.27 from ANZ Bank which she laundered into the account of Mr Baleinabuli, who is her de facto partner.
The two then allegedly used this money to build and upgrade two houses in Nausori. The prosecution is seeking that the pair confirm whether the caution interview would be contested with voir dire grounds which is to be filed before the next court date.
Magistrate Low has directed the accused persons to file voir dire grounds, if any, within 21 days.
The prosecution has also been directed to serve voir dire disclosures on March 26.
The matter will be called on April 5 to check on the parties’ compliance with the court’s directives.
