Murder and arson suspect in remand

A 44-year-old Lautoka electrician charged with attempted murder, arson and damaging property was denied bail by the Lautoka Magistrate’s Court.

Munesh Goundar has been remanded in custody until June 6.

Goundar is alleged to have stabbed his de-facto partner and setting alight the property she was staying in.

Prosecution was represented by the divisional legal officer west, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mohammed Harif, who objected to bail.

ASP Harif also informed the court of the seriousness of the offences that the accused was charged with and said if the accused received bail, he would most likely interfere with prosecution witnesses.

Outlining the particulars of the case, the court heard the incident allegedly to have occurred during the early hours of May 21, whereby the accused stabbed his 37-year-old de-facto partner after a drinking party.

He later set fire to the residence the victim was occupying and after doing so, the accused fled with his sons, aged two and five, leaving the victim behind.

He was arrested at Field 4 in Lautoka later that day.

Magistrate Sekonaia Vodokisolomoni refused bail for the accused and remanded him in custody.

An application has also been made for the matter to be transferred to the High Court.