The State has filed amended consolidated information in the case involving two men charged with the murder of a Kadavu man on Boxing Day in 2018.
Apisai Lomani Jr and Leone Naisake appeared before the High Court in Suva judge Justice Riyaz Hamza yesterday jointly charged with one count of murder.
Mr Lomani is also charged with one count of unlawful cultivation of illicit drugs, namely cannabis sativa.
It was alleged that on December 26, 2018, both men assaulted Filipe Loloma which resulted in his death.
It was also alleged Mr Lomani cultivated 23 plants of marijuana weighing 10.5kg at Wailoaloa farm in Nakasaleka, Kadavu.
In court yesterday, State lawyer Shirley Tivao filed amended information containing three new charges against Mr Lomani. She told the court that the charges included a count each of common assault, preventing the cause of justice and giving false information to a public servant.
Ms Tivao added the new charges involved three separate complainants. In response, defence lawyer for Mr Lomani, John Rabuku told the court that he needed time to advise on plea and argued whether official complaints were made from the on-set in relation to the new charges.
Ms Tivao confirmed in court that if there was sufficient evidence in the disclosures available, the DPP had the powers to file new charges.
Both men had their bail extended. The matter will be called on November 9, 2020, for plea.
