SELEMA Tikoenaburevere, the second accused person in the murder trial of Joseua Lalauvaki, gave evidence today and said that in the early hours of September 2, 2018, he and his team’s role was basically to transport the four drunkards from Wrecktangles Night Club on Suva’s Carnavon St to the Totogo Police Station.
Mr Tikoenaburevere and Kelepi Duri Tautaumacala Kolinisau are charged with the murder of Lalauvaki following an alleged altercation on the night in question.
Lalauvaki died at the CWM hospital on October 11, 2018, from injuries allegedly sustained as a result of police assaults.
During cross-examination by defence lawyer for Mr Kolinisau, Barbara Malimali, when asked about his team’s role, Mr Tikoenaburevere said they were tasked only to be transporters.
Mr Tikoenaburevere said they were in the fleet 311 and not fleet 188.
He also told court that while on their way to the Totogo Police Station, he saw Tomasi (Lalauvaki’s friend) pull the shirt of Kolinisau at the back tray of the vehicle.
He said Police Constable(PC) Pita Bese had earlier called him on his phone requesting assistance from his team at Wrecktangles Night Club.
He said when they got there, PC Bese explained to him that four drunkards were needed to be taken to Totogo Police Station for being allegedly drunk and disorderly.
He said PC Bese and his team then loaded the four persons’ into the back tray of the vehicle.
He told the court that when they got to the station, while he was escorting Lalauvaki to the charge room, he saw Tomasi (Lalauvaki’s friend) suddenly turned around and allegedly punched Kolinisau causing him to drop down on the floor.
He said he was then allegedly attacked by Lalauvaki from the back and as soon as he turned around, Lalauvaki allegedly threw two punches that landed on his head.
He told the court that after this, he allegedly held Lalauvaki by his shirt and told him not punch since he was at the police station.
Mr Tikoenaburevere informed the court that when he turned around to see Kolinisau, ASP Rusiate Ryland had come in between them and Mr Kolinisau was allegedly bleeding from his nose.
Meanwhile, Police Constable Pita Bese in his testimony said on the night of September 2, he was on foot patrol and was in civilian.
He said upon approaching the Wrecktangles Night Club, he saw an unknown vehicle parked in the middle of the road causing a traffic jam.
He said while he was approaching the vehicle, the driver of the vehicle approached him and asked if he could assist him in chasing the drunkards who were trying to get inside the unknown vehicle.
He said he then personally approached the female who was heavily intoxicated and was shouting and swearing.
Mr Bese added he then identified himself to the woman by showing her his police identification card, however, in this process she tapped his hands.
He said when he arrested her, she called out to her boyfriend who he could hear the name Joseua (Lalauvaki).
He said the female was with another woman and a male.
He said he then saw Lalauvaki was already leaning on the fence of the iTaukei Land Trust Board with him touching his chest as if he was in pain.
The trial continues tomorrow.
