SEVEN people appeared in the Suva Magistrates Court yesterday for allegedly harbouring the five convicts who escaped from the Naboro Medium Facility last Monday.
The seven — Taniela Yauyau, Laisa Elder, Livai Nabulu, Epeli Qaqa, Unaisi Ciri, Merewalesi Sikadimuri, and a juvenile appeared before Magistrate Janaka Bandara in a packed courtroom yesterday.
They are charged with one count each of harbouring prison escapees.
The defence counsel Vasemaca Tamanisau requested for bail.
Ms Tamanisau said one of her clients Mrs Sikadimuri was married and had a one-year-old baby.
"Her husband is a fisherman who normally stays out at sea and she needs to look after the baby," Ms Tamanisau said.
State counsel Josaia Niudamu requested the court not to grant bail to the seven because the police needed more time to investigate them.
Mr Niudamu said the seven needed to stay in police custody because the offence they committed was serious.
In his judgement, Mr Bandara denied bail to the seven and requested that they remain in police custody while investigations continue.
He also requested the defence counsel to file a formal bail application.
The matter will be heard again on October 9.
The last of the five escapees was recaptured on Monday morning, while the other four were caught last Friday in Lami in a combined operation by the military, police and corrections officers.
They have yet to appear in court as they are still under medical observation.