A man accused of double murder released on bail is believed to have tampered with the state evidence and the prosecution is now pushing for him to be remanded in custody. 

Auia Fereti Moefiti of Fogapoa is currently residing in Aleisa while on bail and is accused of the double murder of a father and son of Fogapoa in June 2022. He allegedly shot the father and son as a result of a land dispute in the village.

Auia appeared in the Supreme Court this week to confirm a lawyer to represent him after his first defence counsel withdrew from handling his case. 

His original lawyer, Vaisala Afoa dropped the case after the defendant advised her to change his plea to guilty to the charges on the day of trial. But on the trial day, Auia changed his mind again and sought to maintain his plea while his lawyer had already indicated to the prosecution the change of his plea.  

Lawyer Alex Sua has now been appointed by the Supreme Court Justice, Fepuleai Ameperosa Roma under legal aid to represent the defendant. 

During the proceeding, Chief prosecutor and Attorney General’s Office lawyer, Lupematasila Iliganoa Atoa told the Court they had evidence that the defendant was tampering with state evidence. 

She asked the Court to adjourn the matter for mention on Monday next week to allow for the prosecution to file an application to remand the defendant in custody as well as the supporting affidavit. 

Auia has pleaded not guilty to six charges which include murder, attempted murder and the alternative charge of grievous bodily harm. He was arrested and charged by the Police following the death of a father and his son in 2022 from gunshot wounds. 

The defendant turned himself in to the Tuasivi Police outpost immediately after the incident as well as what is suspected to be the murder weapon.