Last Adjournment Granted in Alleged Lami Murder Trial

The High Court in Suva has granted a final adjournment for the pretrial conference of Inoke Qalo Loloma, who is charged with one count of murder.

The charges arise from an incident on Christmas Eve last year, during which Loloma allegedly punched a 43-year-old man at a drinking party in Vugalei.

During a hearing last Friday, defense lawyer Shirley Tivao represented Loloma, noting that the lead attorney, Susan Serukai, was unable to attend due to health issues.

Ms. Tivao informed Justice Thushara Rajasinghe that the State Prosecutor, Tevita Naimila, had expressed interest in convening for another pretrial conference (PTC) but that Ms. Serukai could not meet with them this week.

Justice Rajasinghe emphasized that the court could not continue to grant adjournments, especially as the matter has been pending for more than two weeks.

Ms. Tivao explained that she might be taking over the case and noted that she had not yet discussed the trial strategy with Ms. Serukai, who had been hospitalized shortly before the hearing.

The court has rescheduled the matter for January 31, 2025, for a final pretrial conference.