By KERESI NAUWAKARAWA Two Police Special Constables were denied bail by the Suva Magistrates Court yesterday. The duo were allegedly involved in a robbery case where US$1250 (FJ$2248) and FJ$598

By KERESI NAUWAKARAWA

Two Police Special Constables were denied bail by the Suva Magistrates Court yesterday.

The duo were allegedly involved in a robbery case where US$1250 (FJ$2248) and FJ$598 was reportedly stolen.

Temo Cama Vakaloloma, 23, and Vunivola Vulimaibolatagane, 36, appeared before Magistrate Yohan Liyange yesterday to answer charges of theft and aggravated robbery.

Vakaloloma was represented by Legal Aid lawyer Safaira Ratu and Vulimaibolatagane informed the court that he would be represented by Suva lawyer Aseri Vakaloloma who was not present.

Vulimaibolatagane told the court that his lawyer was at the Nasinu Court.

The two men had their charges read out by police prosecutor Corporal Temesi Evo and no plea has been taken.

Ms Ratu made an application for bail asking the court to consider bail for her client so he could be present at the birth of his firstborn.

Vakaloloma’s pregnant wife was also present in court.

Corporal Evo objected to bail on the grounds that the case was triable in the high court as an indictable offence and any bail issues should be made in the high court.

“Both men committed the offence whilst on duties in their uniform,” he said. “This is a serious offence that is of national interest and can have a maximum penalty of 20 years.”

Magistrate Liyange did not grant bail, taking into account all the objections that prosecution had presented.

“This is a case of national interest and this is an indictable offence and court will not consider bail.

“Considering the bail application (of the first accused) to be present for the birth of his first born child, I have to take into account that this is a serious offence and the safety of the accused so it will be appropriate to place them on remand.” Magistrate Liyange ruled the two remained in custody until the next mention date.

The case has been adjourned to January 16.