Three women and two men who allegedly assaulted Police officers in Nausori were ordered by the Magistrates Court in Nausori yesterday to file a formal bail application.
Mikaele Waqatairewa, 28, Joeli Damudamu, 24, Makereta Tunasiga, 26, Siteri Dinawai, 20, Ruci Silita, 43, appeared before Magistrate Shageeth Somaratne.
They are charged with serious assault. They allegedly assaulted Police officers last Sunday afternoon.
The alleged incident happened when the four Police officers responded to a report of a fight at a shop along Vuci Road in Nausori.
The accused were warned by the Police officers to leave the area.
It is alleged that they refused and assaulted the officers.
Waqatairewa has been charged with one count each of disobedience of lawful order, serious assault and resisting arrest and three counts of damaging property.
Damudamu, Tunasiga, Dinawai and Silita are all charged with one count each of disobedience of lawful order and serious assault.
Waqatairewa opted to be represented by the Legal Aid Commission, while the other four accused persons waived their right to counsel.
In yesterday’s appearance, the Police prosecutor strongly objected to the bail of the accused persons on the grounds that the case was of public interest and that prosecution had a strong case.
The prosecutor told the court that as a result of the alleged confrontation, the Police officers were injured.
The court also heard that some of the five accused persons had other pending cases before the court.
Magistrate Somaratne agreed with prosecution that the offences were serious and of public interest.
The case was adjourned to November 15 for mention.
Edited by Caroline Ratucadra
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