A man accused of murdering a 24-year-old male from the village of Lona Fagaloa during the festive season has been granted bail. 

Solomua Paisu Tafili of Lona Fagaloa appeared before Justice Fepuleai Ameperosa Roma this week and was represented by lawyer Ann Matalasi on behalf of Leota Tima Leavai. 

Ms. Matalasi sought bail for the accused who has been remanded in custody since New Year’s day. 

She further asked for more time to obtain instruction from Mr. Tafili on his plea to two charges in relation to the death of the 24-year-old. 

The Attorney General’s office lawyer and prosecutor Lucy Sio – Ofoia did not oppose bail. 

She submitted to the Court that the defendant can be released but on the condition that he does not return to Lona Fagaloa where the alleged offending occurred. 

Justice Roma accepted bail but on the condition that the defendant is to reside in Vaivase-uta and not to go back to Fagaloa. 

The defendant is also ordered to sign in with the police twice every week. 

He was one of 40 people who appeared in the Supreme Court earlier this week to set hearing dates and enter their plea to the alleged offences that they are accused of.  

Following the alleged offence on New Year’s day the accused was on the run after he allegedly stabbed another male from the same village. 

Police managed to recapture Mr. Tafili and later charged and detained him in custody. 

The incident was one of four deaths over the festive season this year. 

Another incident on the New Year’s involved two other men that died from gunshot wounds in Afega and a toddler who died from drowning.