UNIFORMED soldiers, including Chief of Staff Colonel Mohammed Aziz, showed up in numbers yesterday at the Sakiusa Rabaka murder trial.
Observers said the turnout of about 30 soldiers was the largest since the first appearance of the nine accused –– a former policeman and eight soldiers who are jointly facing murder and assault charges.
Military and Government spokesman Major Neumi Leweni said the presence of soldiers in court was nothing new.
He said soldiers have attended court cases in the past.
Rabaka died in February 2007, one month after he was allegedly assaulted at Black Rock, a military training base in Votualevu, Nadi.
He was admitted and discharged from hospital several times in the days leading to his death.
The fresh trial at the High Court in Lautoka is into its second week and is presided over by Justice Daniel Goundar.
So far five witnesses have taken the stand.
The nine accused are Patrick Nayacalagilagi, Taione Lua, Ulaiasi Radike, Etonio Nadura, Ratunaisa Toutou, Joeli Lesavua, Jona Nareki, Ilaisa Kurimavua and Napolioni Naulia.
